Hagel calls Dutch defence minister on MH17 crash

Washington, July 20: US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called his Dutch counterpart Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaer Saturday and condoled the death of Dutch citizens who lost their lives in the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 crash Thursday.

Hagel reiterated US President Barack Obama's pledge to support an international investigation into the July 17 incident, Xinhua quoted Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby as saying in a statement.

The two leaders also discussed the security situation in Ukraine and the difficulty investigators are experiencing in gaining unimpeded and secure access to the crash site, Kirby said.

"Hennis-Plasschaert highlighted the Netherlands' desire to have the victims returned to their families as soon as possible," Kirby added, "balanced with the need to support and complete a credible investigation."

The two leaders also discussed the importance of a strong and united response to the tragedy and promised to stay in touch regarding the situation in Ukraine, he said.

IANS