Obama discusses MH17 with Dutch, Australian PMs'

WASHINGTON, July 25 (KUNA) -- US President Barack Obama spoke Thursday evening with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands during which they reaffirmed "their commitment to assure that the crash site is properly secured, that all remains are found and returned home, and that a full, transparent, and unhindered international investigation can proceed." The White House said in a statement that Obama and Rutte "reviewed the current situation on the ground in eastern Ukraine and the ongoing fighting.
The two leaders "agreed that Russia still has not met the conditions set forth earlier by the leaders of the United States and European Union." "Instead of deescalating the situation, they agreed that all evidence indicates Russia is still arming and supplying separatists who continue to engage in deadly acts of aggression against Ukrainian armed forces," the statement stressed.
It added that Obama and Dutch Prime Minister "agreed that Russia must not be permitted to destabilize the situation in Ukraine without incurring costs and that, accordingly, the international community will need to enact additional sanctions." Meanwhile, Obama recalled "the moving images seen around the world as the first victims of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 returned to the Netherlands and again offered his condolences on behalf of the American people." Obama also spoke with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott this evening to discuss Malaysia Airlines flight 17 where they "agree that a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation is an imperative," They expressed "their resolve to push for full, immediate, and secure access for international investigators to the crash site." Obama thanked Abbott "for Australia's leadership on this issue, including for Australia's willingness to send investigators to the crash site as well as federal police if necessary." Obama "underscored that the U.S. will continue to support and coordinate closely with Australia, including at the United Nations Security Council, as this issue moves forward." (end) si.gta