5 countries ask to establish int'l criminal tribunal on downing of MH17

The five countries undertaking the independent criminal investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have asked the UN Security Council to establish an international criminal tribunal to try those responsible for crimes connected to the downing that occurred over Ukraine on July 17, 2014 and took 298 lives.

Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine consider an independent international criminal tribunal established by the council, reflecting the highest international standards, would be the best means of ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones, according to a statement released on Monday by the Belgian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The establishment of an international criminal tribunal under Chapter VII of the UN Charter for this purpose would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate acts that threaten international peace and security by endangering civil aviation, said the statement.

Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine call upon members of the security council to support this proposal to ensure that those responsible are held to account and to deter those who would threaten civil aviation, the statement added. Endit