U.S. Envoy Samantha Power: Can't Rule Out Help From Russian Personnel In Downing Plane

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power says the United States cannot rule out help from Russia in the launch of the surface-to-air missile that shot down a Malaysian airlines jet killing all 298 people on board.

Power said the U.S. believes the SA-11 missile was fired from an area controlled by pro-Russian separatists who previously boasted about obtaining such missiles. She said Russia has provided SA-11s and other heavy weapons to the separatists.

"If indeed Russian-backed separatists were behind this attack on a civilian airliner, they and their backers would have good reason to cover up evidence of their crime," Power told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. "Thus it is extremely important than an investigation be commenced immediately."

The Security Council called for "a full, thorough and independent international investigation."