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More remains of human bodies found at site of MH17 crash in Ukraine

Chief of the international investigating mission clarified that the belongings were items of jewelry

THE HAGUE, April 16. /TASS/. Remains of more human bodies have been found at the site of last year's crash of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine, the chief of the international investigating mission, Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg, said on Thursday.

Following resumption of the search in the area of the Boeing 777's crash, efforts of the first day were concentrated on two scorched land areas where the bulk of the debris had fallen out.

Experts found new remains there, Aaldersberg said. In addition, the search experts were approached by several local residents who handed personal belongings of the jet's passengers to them.

Aaldersberg clarified that the belongings were items of jewelry.

Dutch forensic specialists have established identities of 296 out of the 298 persons who died in the July 17, 2014, crash. The searchers hope to find the remains of another two persons now.

In the meantime, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Bert Koenders, said the country was channeling its efforts now into a search for those who were responsible for the crash of the jet. Criminal investigation is moving into the forefront now, he said after a meeting with the foreign ministers of Malaysia, Ukraine and Australia.

This is important not only for the countries, the citizens of which died in the MH17 disaster, but also for the entire civil aviation.

Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed near in the war-torn Donetsk region of Ukraine after being diverted there from its usual path by Ukrainian air controllers. All the 298 people aboard died.

A total of 193 passengers aboard were nationals of the Netherlands.