Early this morning, Ukrainian time, the bodies of nearly 282 victims from MH17 was on its way to Kharkiv. From there, the bodies will be taken back to the Netherlands to be identified. Following any necessary forensic work, the remains of Malaysian citizens will then be flown home to Malaysia.
Senior separatist leader Aleksander Borodai has also handed over the black boxes to the Malaysian team. Independent international investigators are also given the green light to access to the crash site to begin a full investigation.
These agreements were reached after Prime Minister Najib Razak spoke to the senior separatist leader. In a statement release yesterday, the Prime Minister said, “There is still work still to be done, work which relies on continued communication in good faith. Mr Borodai and his people have so far given their co-operation.
I ask that all parties continue to work together to ensure that this agreement is honoured; that the remains of our people are returned, that the black box is handed over, and that the international team is granted full access to the site.
Only then can the investigation into MH17 truly begin; only then can the victims be afforded the respect they deserve. We need to know what caused the plane to crash, and who was responsible for it, so that justice may be done.
In recent days, there were times I wanted to give greater voice to the anger and grief that the Malaysian people feel. And that I feel. But sometimes, we must work quietly in the service of a better outcome.
I understand that for the families, nothing can undo this damage. The lives taken cannot be given back; the dignity lost cannot be regained.
My heart reaches out to those whose loved ones were lost on MH17. We hope and pray that the agreement reached tonight helps bring them a clear step towards closure.”
A video of the train carrying victims from the crash as it leaves Torez:
Story from: Reuters
Read more:
- Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 Reportedly Shot Down
- MH17 Update 21 July: Malaysian and International Team Still Unable to Access Crash Site
- Malaysia Airlines Plane Crashes in Eastern Ukraine
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