Persstatement JIT landen over afwijzing resolutie

Onderstaand vind u het volledige persstatement dat de JIT landen na afloop van de vergadering van de VN Veiligheidsraad hebben gegeven:

PRESS STATEMENT: RESOLUTION REJECTED

Ladies and gentlemen,

We stand here together – Malaysia, Australia, Ukraine, Belgium and the Netherlands – deeply disappointed by the outcome of the Security Council vote. Disappointed, because a veto has prevented the Council from honouring its commitment, expressed in Resolution 2166, to ensuring that those responsible for the downing of MH17 be held to account. Disappointed, because the families of the victims will now have to wait even longer, uncertain how justice will be done. But we are determined to see that justice is done. And we won’t let a veto weaken our resolve.

Just over a year ago, 298 innocent men, women and children were senselessly taken from us in the MH17 disaster. The countries working together in the Joint Investigation Team joined forces to establish a UN tribunal to try the perpetrators. This was the preferred option because it would have generated broad international support for the prosecution process. It was also the best way of ensuring the cooperation of all states. The resolution we drafted included a special provision requiring states to cooperate fully with the tribunal by surrendering suspects.

We received broad support on the Security Council during our consultations. This is why it is so difficult to accept that there will be no tribunal. Of course, it doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Russia had already expressed opposition to a UN tribunal. Despite this, we engaged with Russia until the very last minute. In the end, however, it was not possible to find common ground.

What has happened today is regrettable, but it will not put a stop to our endeavours to prevent impunity for these crimes. As we’ve said before, there are various options for prosecuting those responsible, at both international and national level. So now we will focus on those options. Carefully and tirelessly. The countries participating in the Joint Investigation Team will continue working together, with the support of a broad international coalition. We are resolved to ensure that Resolution 2166’s call for accountability is fully heeded. The perpetrators, wherever they come from, must be held to account. They must not be allowed to escape punishment.

It is our task to continue drawing attention to the events surrounding flight MH17. While we cannot take away the grief of those who lost their loved ones that day, we will do everything in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice. We will continue working towards that goal. And we will not rest until all the facts are known and justice is served.

Thank you.