Today 8 April, discussing other business and at Russia’s initiative, the UN Security Council covered the investigation into the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 . On the initiative of Estonia, European Union member states currently on the UN Security Council and Poland made a joint statement condemning Russia’s lack of full cooperation with the independent investigation of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) so far.
“It is unfortunate that instead of meeting its obligations in accordance with the UNSC Resolution 2166, the Russian authorities are undermining the independent and transparent investigation process. 298 innocent people lost their lives in the MH17 tragedy and at the very least, their families deserve justice. It is crucial to bring those responsible for this crime to justice,” Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said.
In their statement, the European Union members of the Security Council and Poland said that the criminal procedure that began on 9 March in the Netherlands is an important milestone in establishing the truth. “We welcome the legal proceedings of the Dutch judiciary, which are based on the work of the Joint Investigation Team, and we express our full confidence in their independence, impartiality and professionalism,” the statement reads.
In his statement, the Estonian Ambassador to the UN Sven Jürgenson underscored the need to establish a complete ceasefire in Ukraine. “The downing of flight MH17 reminds us how an armed conflict can impact anyone in the world. This is why the international community must take a stronger stance against Russia’s ongoing and systematic violation of international law in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine.,” the ambassador said.
Read the full statement of Estonia, France, Germany, Belgium and Poland (EU5): https://un.mfa.ee/stakeout-by-belgium-estonia-france-germany-and-poland-on-mh-17/
Read Estonia’s statement: https://un.mfa.ee/statement-at-the-un-security-council-on/