Netherlands Regrets Russia’s Decision to Veto MH17 Tribunal Resolution

In July, Russia vetoed a 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.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia’s decision to block a UN Security Council draft resolution on setting up an international tribunal to prosecute the perpetrators of the MH17 crash is regrettable, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moscow Ron Van Dartel said.

The ambassador stressed in an interview with RIA Novosti that the Dutch Safety Board, which is leading an investigation into the tragedy, “was happy” with Russia’s contribution to the efforts but added there was also a “disappointment.”

“We saw it [an international tribunal] as the best way for progress, in a non-politicized way – decision, before the results are clear. It is a pity that Russia couldn’t follow that way of thinking,” Van Dartel said.

“And we also are disappointed that Russia blocked the best way to get it… We regret that Russia blocked it,” he stressed.

Russia has repeatedly stressed that the initiative was premature and counterproductive.

The Netherlands is counting on a rapid solution to the problem of finding an alternative to an international tribunal on last year’s MH17 crash in Ukraine, he said.

“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.”