Malaysia PM Najib: Deep shock over Ukraine plane crash

Malaysia's leader has called the Malaysia Airlines plane crash in eastern Ukraine "deeply shocking".
Describing the disaster as a "tragic day" in a "tragic year" for Malaysia, Najib Razak said the investigation "must not be hindered in any way".
The plane, now known to have been carrying 298 people, crashed in rebel-held territory near the Russian border.

Both sides in Ukraine's civil conflict have accused the other of shooting it down with a missile.
The Boeing 777, with the call sign MH17, was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

It is the second disaster suffered by Malaysia Airlines this year. Flight MH370 disappeared en route from Malaysia to China in March and has still not been found. In a statement, Malaysia Airlines said MH17 was carrying at least 154 Dutchnationals, 27 Australians, 43 Malaysians (including 15 crew), 12 Indonesians and nine Britons. Other passengers came from Germany, Belgium, the Philippines and Canada, with the nationalities of 41 people not yet confirmed.

Several of those on board were heading for a major
international conference on HIV/Aids in Melbourne,
Australian officials said. Other airlines have announced they are now setting flight paths to avoid eastern Ukraine.