The EU hopes for swift results from Russia's investigation into the murder of human rights activist Natalya Estemirova.

Estemirova, who had been investigating kidnappings and disappearances in Chechnya for the Russian human rights group Memorial, was abducted outside her home in Chechen capital of Grozny on July 15, 2009. She was found shot dead in the neighboring North Caucasian republic of Ingushetia later the same day.

In February 2010 investigators said they had identified the suspect, but no arrests had been made.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton urged the Russia authorities on Thursday "to work towards putting an end to the climate of impunity and fear in the North Caucasus."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at the news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that those who had ordered the murder of Estemirova would be found.

"It is wrong to think there is no investigation. The investigation is in full steam. Such cases never yield quick results if no one was caught red-handed," Medvedev said, adding that the assassin who killed Natalya Estemirova had been identified.

BRUSSELS, July 15 (RIA Novosti)