Lithuanian leaders convey condolences over Malaysia Airlines plane crash

“The plane crash is an immense tragedy not only for the loved ones of those who perished, but also for all the people of Malaysia and their friends. On behalf of the Lithuanian people and on my own behalf, I offer you our sincere condolences, support and solidarity,” the president wrote in her message of condolences.

Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius said: “We are deeply saddened and staggered. I am conveying my deepest sincere condolences, on behalf of the people of Lithuania and the government, to the families and loved ones of the victims.”

In his words, the Ukrainian government should carry out an investigation to establish the true causes of the disaster. “If it was an act of terror, the guilty ones must be punished,” said Butkevičius.

Parliamentary Speaker Loreta Graužinienė said that every effort should be made to find out the circumstances of the crash.

“It is an enormous tragedy and loss for Malaysia, as well as other countries whose citizens were aboard the airplane. Hundreds of people lost their family members, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Every effort must be made to establish the circumstances and the causes of the incident,” said the parliamentary speaker.

A Boeing-777 of Malaysia Airlines on Thursday reportedly crashed in the Ukrainian territory close to the Russian border near the town of Shakhtyorsk, Donetsk region.

Some 280 passengers and 15 crew members were aboard the airplane, which was to cross the Russian border at 4:25 PM Lithuanian time.