(UPDATE) ASEAN member states condemn downing of Malaysian plane

YANGON (Xinhua) - Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have voiced strong condemnation over the downing of Malaysia Airline's  aircraft Flight MH17 in Eastern Ukraine on July 17.

"We express shock at the tragic deaths of the 298 people of multiple nationalities on board the airline," said a statement of ASEAN Foreign Ministers published here Sunday, conveying profound sorrow and condolence to the families and loved ones of those on board the flight.

"Flight MH17 was flying over non-restricted air space and following a fly path which had been declared safe by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)," the statement pointed out, holding that it is a flight route that is utilized by many international airlines plying the Asia-Europe route'.

The statement called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the catastrophe, emphasizing that investigations must not be hindered.

Myanmar is currently rotating chair of ASEAN.