US welcomes Dutch-led probe report on downing of MH17

Welcoming a Dutch-led investigation report on the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, the White House today said that it was an "important milestone" in the effort to hold accountable those who shoot down the aircraft with a missile in war-torn eastern Ukraine.
"The release today by the Dutch Safety Board of its investigatory report on the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014 is an important milestone in the effort to hold accountable those responsible for the shoot-down of the aircraft and the killing of those aboard," said National Security Council Spokesman Ned Price.

The investigators have concluded that flight MH17 was shot down last year by a Russian-made BUK missile fired from war-torn Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Price said that this investigation has been conducted in accordance with international standards and recommended practices in a professional manner by the Dutch Safety Board authorities.
The investigation serves as a basis for further investigations to identify those responsible for the deaths of 298 innocent men, women, and children, he said.
"We maintain our support for the work being conducted by the countries of the Joint Investigation Team, and reiterate that the United States will fully support all efforts to bring to justice those responsible," Price said.

"Our assessment is unchanged -- MH17 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired from separatist-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine. The victims and their loved ones remain in our thoughts and prayers," he said in a statement.