POLITICAL REACTION TO THE DOWNING OF MALAYSIA AIRLINES FLIGHT MH17:

“Right now for all we know bodies remain strewn over the fields of the eastern Ukraine and armed rebels are trampling the site.” – Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was vital an international investigation begin as soon as possible.

“This is a crime against humanity. All red lines have been already crossed. This is the deadline.” – Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk is blaming Russian-backed separatists for the attack.

“This is a dark hour in our national history; we are a nation in shock and in tears.” – Dutch Ambassador to the UN Karel van Oosterom at a UN Security Council emergency meeting.

“Evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile that was launched from an area that is controlled by Russian-backed separatists….” – US President Barack Obama joined international leaders mounting a case against Russia for their involvement in the incident.

“Should it emerge that it was an attack, I will personally see to it that the perpetrators are brought to justice.” – Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte promised “not to rest” in tracking down those responsible for the deaths of 189 of his citizens.

“As we see it, it is necessary to investigate not only the crash itself but also how Ukraine’s aviation authorities performed their professional duties,” – Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin brushed off international criticism during an UN Security Council meeting.

“We expect, indeed we require, Russia’s support for this investigation to take place.” – Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop will head to New York to drum up support for a UN-backed probe into the incident.

“If Mr Putin’s not prepared to do that, well frankly I believe that Queenslanders don’t want him here at the G20.” – Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said only a co-operative Russian president will be allowed to attend November’s G20 meeting.