Russia's request for pilot's return denied

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http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050917/5045545.asp

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) - Lithuania on Friday refused Moscow's requests to hand over a Russian pilot whose fighter jet crashed in the NATO member's territory after violating its airspace, saying it must first complete an investigation.

NATO investigators also would study the Su-27 fighter-bomber's flight recorder, or "black box," to determine what caused the crash, Defense Minister Gediminas Kirkilas.

"We will not hand the pilot and the black box of the crashed plane over to Moscow until the investigation is completed," Kirkilas said.