Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Abbott of Australia

President Obama spoke with Australian Prime Minister Abbott this afternoon to discuss Malaysia Airlines flight 17.  The President expressed condolences on behalf of the American people to the Australian families who lost loved ones on board the flight.  The two leaders discussed the importance of a prompt, full, unimpeded and transparent international investigation, and they stressed the need for immediate access by international investigators to the crash site.   The President underscored continuing U.S. support and cooperation with Australia as this issue unfolds, and the two leaders committed to remaining in close touch moving forward.