MH17 Joint Investigation Team Considering Alternatives to Int’l Tribunal

The countries comprising the Joint Investigation Team for a criminal probe of the MH17 crash in Ukraine abandoned their efforts to establish an international tribunal and are looking for alternatives.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The countries comprising the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) leading a criminal probe of the MH17 crash last year over Ukraine halted their efforts to establish an international tribunal and are currently discussing alternatives, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moscow Ron Van Dartel said.

“Russia used a very clear veto, so their decision is clear. It’s the end of that effort, and now we are looking for alternatives how to do it,” the ambassador of the Netherlands, which is part of the JIT alongside Belgium, Ukraine, Australia, and Malaysia, told RIA Novosti in English during an interview.

Among the alternatives being considered by the JIT members is a national trial among the JIT countries, as well as referring the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the diplomat said adding that there was yet “no clear priority” as the discussion continues.

Van Dartel added that the Netherlands is counting on a rapid solution to the problem of finding an alternative to an international tribunal.

“What’s still on the agenda is a way how we are going to prosecute and trial people who are responsible. We are now in the discussion with countries of Joint Investigation Team, what would be the best alternative and I hope the result will be clear as soon as possible,” the ambassador of the Netherlands, which is part of the JIT alongside Belgium, Ukraine, Australia, and Malaysia, he told RIA Novosti.

In July, Russia vetoed the UN Security Council draft resolution to establish an international tribunal to prosecute those behind the crash. Moscow insisted on waiting first for the publication of the final report by the Dutch Safety Board, the body leading the investigation.