clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

White House statement: "Full, credible" investigation is critical

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest released a statement Thursday night calling for an "unimpeded" investigation of the MH17 attack:

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 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 to determine the best path forward. 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 United States remains prepared to contribute immediate assistance to any international investigation, including through resources provided by the NTSB and the FBI.

He also noted that they are still seeking information about whether or not Americans were on the flight. Read the full statement here.