Joint call with Obama, Merkel, Hollande and Renzi
The Prime Minister spoke to President Obama, Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande and Prime Minister Renzi in a joint call this afternoon.
A spokesperson said:
“The Prime Minister spoke to President Obama, Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande and Prime Minister Renzi in a joint call this afternoon.
“The discussion focussed on the international response to the MH17 disaster and Russia’s ongoing efforts to destabilise Ukraine. They agreed that the immediate priority must be to secure unrestricted access to the MH17 crash site, both to recover any remaining victims and to allow an unimpeded investigation of the site. They noted their support for Dutch and Australian efforts to secure such access.
“On the broader conflict in Eastern Ukraine, they agreed that Russia has failed to take the steps necessary to de-escalate the crisis, such as ceasing support for the separatists; stopping the flow of weapons across the border; and using its influence to ensure the release of hostages. Indeed the latest information from the region suggests that even since MH17 was shot down, Russia continues to transfer weapons across the border and to provide practical support to the separatists. Leaders agreed that the international community should therefore impose further costs on Russia and specifically that Ambassadors from across the EU should agree a strong package of sectoral sanctions as swiftly as possible. They agreed that the EU and United States should continue to work together to exert pressure on Russia to change course and to engage in a political resolution to the crisis before more innocent lives are lost.
Read more about the UK government response to the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 disaster.
“The leaders also discussed the deteriorating situation in Israel and Gaza and agreed on the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, backing the efforts of the Egyptian government to achieve this. They noted that the fighting will not lead to lasting peace or security for either Israelis or Palestinians.
“They also touched on Libya given the worsening security situation and agreed that the United Nations has a vital role to play to facilitate the political process that could help to restore stability in the country. Finally, they discussed the situation in Iraq and progress towards establishing an inclusive government that represents all Iraqis.”