The United States has called for a full and objective international inquiry into the crash of the Malaysian airliner in the Donetsk region.
“It is critical that there be a full, credible, and unimpeded
international investigation as quickly as possible. We urge all
concerned – Russia, the pro-Russian separatists, and Ukraine – to
support an immediate cease-fire in order to ensure safe and unfettered
access to the crash site for international investigators and in order to
facilitate the recovery of remains,” the White House said in a press
release.
“The role of international organizations – such as the United Nations
and the OSCE in Ukraine – may be particularly relevant for this effort,
and we will be in touch with affected nations and our partners in these
organizations in the coming hours and days,” the statement said.
“In the meantime, it is vital that no evidence be tampered with in
any way and that all potential evidence and remains at the crash site
are undisturbed,” the statement said.
“While we do not yet have all the facts, we do know that this
incident occurred in the context of a crisis in Ukraine that is fueled
by Russian support for the separatists, including through arms,
materiel, and training. This incident only highlights the urgency with
which we continue to urge Russia to immediately take concrete steps to
de-escalate the situation in Ukraine and to support a sustainable
cease-fire and path toward peace that the Ukrainian government has
consistently put forward,” the White House said.
