The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed to learn that forensic teams and international investigators in Donetsk who are tasked to probe the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 continue to be impeded from accessing the site and carrying out their critical work due to heavy fighting in the area of the crash site.

The Secretary-General recalls that there are victims’ remains yet to be found and that key pieces of evidence remain at the site. The families of the victims of this horrific tragedy deserve closure and the world demands answers - - international teams must be allowed to conduct their work.

Guided by Security Council Resolution 2166, the Secretary-General calls on all parties to immediately halt hostilities in the proximity of the crash site so as to allow the international teams unimpeded access to the site.