Pro-Russia Forces hand over flight-data recorder to Malaysian Experts

Pro-Russia Forces in Eastern Ukraine have handed over two flight-data recorders from the downed MH17 plane to Malaysian experts.

The hand over came hours after the UN Security Council voted unanimously to demand immediate international access to the crash site.

Western nations say there is growing evidence that flight MH17 was hit by a missile fired by separatist forces, but Russia has suggested Ukrainian government forces are to blame.

Experts say the black boxes will reveal the exact time of the incident and the altitude and exact position of the aircraft.

They should also contain the cockpit voice recorder, which it is hoped will provide clues as to what caused the crash.

The head of the Malaysian delegation told reporters that the recorders are in good condition.

European Union Foreign Ministers are expected to discuss further measures against Russia later today.

Both the EU and US have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of hostilities in eastern Ukraine.

BBC