Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771

13 May 2010 05:40 Africa/Lagos

Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771


TRIPOLI, May 12, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., on the crash of Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771:


I regret to confirm the death of an Irish citizen in the Libyan air crash today. Afriqiyah Airlines flight 8U771 was travelling from Johannesburg when it went down on approach to Tripoli International Airport this morning, Wednesday, 12 May.


Officials from my Department learned this afternoon that an Irishwoman was on the passenger list for this flight. The Irish Ambassador to Libya (who is normally based in Rome) is in Tripoli with another consular official and is in close contact with the authorities in Libya in relation to the tragic loss of this flight. Arrangements are being made to inform the family and my Department is ready to provide all possible assistance at this difficult time.


I would ask that members of the media respect the privacy of the family and friends of the deceased in order that they be given time and space to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.


I would like to extend my sympathies to all those families who have suffered a bereavement in this tragic accident.

Source: Ireland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs