Berlin, July 18 (IANS): German Chancellor Angela Merkel Friday called for a ceasefire in Ukraine after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed in Ukraine Thursday killing all 298 people on board
Addressing the MH17 tragedy at her annual summer press conference, Merkel said a ceasefire "is necessary", adding, "our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones".
She also confirmed four Germans died in the plane crash, Xinhua reported.
Merkel said the task now was for an independent investigation to be initiated as soon as possible.
"It is, of course, important that those responsible are held to account," said Merkel. "There are many, many indications that the aircraft was shot down. And that's why we need to take these things very, very seriously."
Speaking on the broader conflict in the region, Merkel again called on the Russian leadership and government to do their part so that a political solution could be reached in Ukraine.
Flight MH17, a Boeing 777, crashed in the conflict-hit Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur Thursday, killing 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.