Putin 'must take responsibility' for crash site access: Dutch

Image
AFP The Hague
Last Updated : Jul 20 2014 | 12:02 AM IST
Vladimir Putin must act to allow access to the Ukrainian rebel-held crash site of flight MH17 so bodies can be removed, Prime Minister Mark Rutte today said after a "very intense" conversation with the Russian president.
"He (Putin) must now take responsibility vis-a-vis the rebels," Rutte told journalists in The Hague after pro-Russian separatists hindered access to the crash site where 298 died in Thursday's plane crash, 192 of them Dutch.
"The Netherlands and the world will see that he does what needs to be done," Rutte said.
"Given today's developments and the images from this morning, I sent a message to the president to once more exert his influence on the rebels," Rutte added.
"Everyone saw how the plane wreckage, the passengers and the personal belongings are still spread around the site.
"He (Putin) promised me his cooperation yesterday.
"I told him that he must show the world that he wants to help."
Rutte said he was "shocked" by news images of "shameless" rebels handling passenger possessions and walking around the crash site.
Rutte said that he had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and German Chancellor Angela Merkel and that they also said Putin must act.
"Unimpeded access and quick recuperation of the bodies is the number one priority," Rutte said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 20 2014 | 12:02 AM IST

Next Story