Malaysia PM ‘to be handed black boxes’ – update 4
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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak has tentatively agreed terms regarding the future of black box recorders from the crashed MH17 and the bodies of victims after speaking with the area’s commander Alexander Borodai.
The two sides are currently still in talks regarding the black boxes which were due to be handed over to the Malaysian team in Donetsk this evening, as part of an agreement between Razak and Borodai.
The trains with the bodies of 282 people are expected to be moved from Torez to Kharkiv with six Malaysian recovery team members onboard. The bodies are then due to be handed to Dutch representatives and flown to Amsterdam for forensic tests.
The deal also means international investigators can access the crash site safely to start a review.
However, the arrangement will depend on Borodai’s cooperation.
Razak’s statement read: “Under difficult and fluid circumstances, we have been discussing the problems that have occupied us all: securing vital evidence from the aircraft, launching an independent investigation, and above all recovering the remains of those who lost their lives.
“I must stress that although agreement has been reached, there remain a number of steps required before it is completed. There is 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.”
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