Western Australia welcomes families of passengers on MH370

Western Australia, off its Indian Ocean coast the research and recovery operation for the missing Malaysian jet liner is unfolding, is ready for the arrival of Chinese families of passengers on board the ill-fated plane, said its Premier Colin Barnett here Wednesday.[Special coverage]

In an email interview with Xinhua, the premier said the commonwealth is coordinating efforts surrounding the recovery of MH370 and Western Australia is in discussions with those involved in the operation.

"Whatever assistance they require, we will provide through the Department of Premier and Cabinet," he said.

"We will do whatever we can to welcome these families to Western Australia at this very sad time and assist with their stay here," he added.

Earlier, Alain Montoccuio, a resident of Perth came to the Pearce Base, bringing his homemade cross with flowers, and tying it up on the fence of the airbase.

"As a local of Perth, I bring this cross here just to show our respect and tell the world that we Australians care about the victims," he said.

"It's not the time to blame," he said when asked about Malaysian latest statement of the incident.

Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines, said earlier on Tuesday that the airlines would bring families to the recovery areas if they so wished,after the company received approval from the investigating authorities.

He said the company's overwhelming focus would still be to provide the families with a comprehensive support program.

Md Nor Md Yusof, chairman of Malaysia Airlines, also said they would continue to support the families and to support the authorities as the search for definitive answers continued.