BANGKOK: More needs to be done to ensure all remains from the crashed Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 may be gathered and repatriated as soon as possible in a dignified manner, said Asean.
Asean has also demanded a halt to all military activities in the crash site and surrounding areas to allow safe and unimpeded access to the site by the international investigation team probing the cause of the crash.
They also expressed support for the peaceful efforts taken by all parties to resolve the situation in Ukraine, and underlined the urgent need to ease tensions in Eastern Ukraine.
Asean foreign ministers also underlined the urgent need to ease tensions in Eastern Ukraine, and for all parties to agree on an immediate, genuine and sustainable ceasefire.
"We urge all concerned parties to come together to negotiate a resolution peacefully in accordance with international law," they said.
They recalled the joint statement issued on July 19, condemning the downing of MH17 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on July 17, which killed 298 people.
Asean foreign ministers also expressed serious concern over recent developments that increased tensions in the South China Sea.
They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime security as well as freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea.
The foreign ministers also urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions that would complicate the situation and undermine peace, stability and security in the South China Sea and to settle disputes through peaceful means. - Bernama
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