Decision on second stage of searches at crash site in Donetsk to be made next week - Ukrainian agency

15:29, 08.08.2014 1 min read

International experts will decide on the start of the second stage of search work at the Malaysian plane crash site next week, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said at a briefing on Friday.

"International experts probing the Boeing 777 crash will decide next week, when the second stage of search work at the plane crash site will begin," Lysenko said.

Before the decision is made, most experts will leave Ukraine, with the exception of a small group of experts, who will stay to carry out communication and coordination, he said.

"Experts of the working group holding the investigation have concluded that a ceasefire at the plane crash site is not necessary during the pause between query phases," Lysenko said.

"We draw attention to the fact that the order of the Ukrainian president for a ceasefire in the search operation zone is still in effect. Same as before, Ukrainian troops will not initiate fights within the 20-km radius of the tragedy scene," Lysenko said.