OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Chief Monitor to lead tributes to MH17

KYIV, 16 July – OSCE Special Monitoring Mission Chief Monitor Ertugrul Apakan will lead tomorrow a minute of silence in honour of the victims of flight MH17, downed over Ukraine one year ago.

“Tomorrow we commemorate one year since flight MH17 was downed in eastern Ukraine. This tragedy ended the lives of 298 people in the most horrific manner, and left a deep scar among their loved ones in the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia and all over the world.This is a stark reminder of the heavy toll borne by civilians in this, and all, armed conflicts.”

“The memory of the victims will stay with SMM monitors and will remind all of us of our important task to contribute to normalizing the situation in Ukraine. In memory of the victims, the SMM invites everyone to join in a minute of silence on 17 July at 4.20 PM (EEST - Kyiv Time) 1.20 PM (GMT).”