Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Asian Partners for Cooperation Group
Permanent Council Meeting
22 July 2021
Statement by H.E. Richard Sadleir, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations in Vienna
Anniversary of the downing of MH17
Chair
Australia wishes to align itself with the statement delivered by the Netherlands on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
The Australian Government is committed to pursuing truth, justice and accountability for the 298 innocent victims of MH17 and their loved ones.
Last week we marked the seventh anniversary of the downing of MH17.
Our hearts and thoughts remain with the 298 innocent people from 17 countries who perished on board, their families and love ones.
We welcome the commencement of the substantive phase of the Dutch criminal trial of the four suspects for their alleged roles in the downing, which began in the District Court of the Hague on 7 June 2021.
We remain disappointed by Russia’s decision to withdraw from talks on state responsibility for the downing of fight MH17 and urge Russia to reconsider its position.
We join the Netherlands in calling on Russia to accept its responsibility and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.