If the investigations do actually prove that one of the parties to the conflict has the lives of hundreds of perfectly innocent people on its conscience, it would be an atrocity beyond all imagining.

No one responsible for such an atrocity any longer has any right to push for their own interests in the name of humanity. I thank the OSCE and their staff on the ground who heedless of their own safety have approached their tasks determinedly and resolutely.

What we need now is a speedy, independent investigation into the crash and it is equally imperative that the victims be treated with dignity.