UN Aviation Body Rules Russia Downed Malaysian Airliner - Report

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The United Nation (UN) aviation council on Monday (May 12) ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine that killed all 298 passengers and crew, including 196 Dutch citizens and 38 Australian citizens or residents, the Dutch and Australian governments said in separate statements, Reuters reported.

According to the report, both governments said the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) would, in the coming weeks, consider what form of reparation was in order.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, was shot down over eastern Ukraine amid intense fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.

In November 2022, the report said Dutch judges convicted two Russian men and a Ukrainian man in absentia of murder for their role in the attack.

Moscow called the ruling "scandalous" and said it would not extradite its citizens, said the report.

Reuters reported that the case was launched in 2022 by Australia and the Netherlands.

"The decision is an important step towards establishing the truth and achieving justice and accountability for all victims of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones," Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp was quoted as saying.

"This decision also sends a clear message to the international community: states cannot violate international law with impunity."

The Netherlands and Australia want the ICAO Council to order Russia to enter into negotiations over reparations, he added.

Australia Foreign Minister Penny Wong reportedly said her government welcomed the decision and urged ICAO to move swiftly to determine remedies.

"We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law," Wong was quoted as saying.

ICAO lacks regulatory power but holds moral suasion and sets global aviation standards overwhelmingly adopted by its 193-member states, said the news report.

Bernama has reached out to Malaysia Airlines for comment.

-- BERNAMA