International

Obama, Dutch leader reaffirm commitment to downed jet probe

 

President Obama and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte reaffirmed their commitment to investigating the downing of a Malaysia Airlines flight last week.

In a call Thursday, Obama offered his condolences on behalf of the American people to loved ones of the nearly 200 Dutch citizens who died in the fatal plane crash.

{mosads}Although the U.S. is still investigating who fired the missile suspected of downing the plane, administration officials have said the artillery came from Russia.

Both leaders pledged to ensure a full investigation of the July 17 crash and said they are committed to making sure all remains are found and returned home, the White House said in a statement.

They also agreed to impose sanctions against Russia, if it continues to support separatists in Ukraine.

Separately, Obama thanked Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Thursday for sending investigators to the crash site and extending assistance into the international probe.