The European Union calls on Russia to use its influence over pro-Russian militants in Ukraine's east to achieve internationals experts' full access to the crash site of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane downed on July 17.
“We urge Russia to actively use its influence over the illegally armed groups in order to achieve full, immediate, safe and secure access to the site,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on July 22.
Ashton also called on Russia to “stop the increasing flow of weapons, equipment and militants across the border in order to achieve rapid and tangible results in de-escalation.”
She also urged Russia to “withdraw its additional troops from the border area.”
Council conclusions on Ukraine issued after the meeting call on the separatist groups in the area to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the site and surrounding area, including a viable security corridor.
“The EU expects all those in the area to preserve the crash site intact, including by refraining from destroying, moving, or disturbing remains, wreckage, equipment, debris or personal belongings,” the conclusions read.
