Australian Foreign Minister: Russia should explain its involvement in downing MH17

25.05.2018 12:33

Ukrinform

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says that Russia should explain its involvement in downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was proven by the Joint Investigation Team.

This is reported by the press service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

“The Joint Investigation Team, which also [apart from Australia] includes member nations - Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine - has concluded that the BUK missile system that was used to down MH17, belonged to the Russian Federation’s 53rd Anti-Aircraft Military Brigade …That a sophisticated weapon belonging to the Russian Army was dispatched and used to shoot down a civilian aircraft should be of grave international concern. We are discussing these findings with our partners and considering our options,” the minister stated.

According to Bishop, Australia has full confidence in the independence of the JIT and in its thorough investigation.

“Australia and our JIT partners are united in pursuing justice for those who lost their lives … and to hold to account those responsible for this atrocious act,” Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop stressed.