The International Fund for Cooperation and Partnership of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (BSCSIF) notes regretfully that the ongoing violence in the eastern regions of Ukraine led to the death of hundreds of peaceful international civilians, by downing the Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. The leadership and all members of the BSCSIF express their deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives due to this tragic event.
It is critical that there be a comprehensive, transparent and unimpeded international investigation as quickly as possible in order to establish the real facts and to bring the aggressors to justice. BSCSIF recommends all concerned parties, along with the involvement of international organisations to support an immediate cease-fire in order to ensure the safe and unencumbered access to the crash site for international investigators and to prevent further loss of civilian lives.
The BSCSIF remains committed to its position that it is impossible to provide long-term resolution for the crisis in Ukraine by use of force. The only proper way to overcome the current crisis is through dialogue and negotiations with the active involvement of Ukraine, Russia, EU and USA.
The BSCSIF believes that it is necessary to undertake effective measures, based on the norms and principles of international law, first and foremost, on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-use of force, human rights and non-interference in the internal affairs of states as well as excluding the violence against the peaceful civilians.