MH17: Global support as Australia pushes for accountability

Australia has global support as it looks for a resolution to the downing of flight MH17 over the Ukraine.

The reconstructed front of MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine.

The reconstructed front of MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine. Source: AAP

Four years after 38 Australians died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot out of the sky, Australia is still looking for answers from Russia.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Tuesday's fourth anniversary of the 2014 disaster was a time to keep pushing.

"We remain resolute in pursuing accountability and seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones," she said.

Ms Bishop has met in the past week with the Australian Federal Police for a briefing on the investigation into the downing of MH17.

"Over 450 AFP have been involved since the tragedy," she said.
"This includes in the search and recovery phase of the operation in July 2014, as well as in an investigative role."

Next week Ms Bishop will visit the United Kingdom to speak to new Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, and she plans to raise the issue with him.

"Australia values the UK's strong support, including in the UN Security Council, in calling on Russia to answer for its actions in relation to the tragedy," she said.

"Holding Russia responsible for its role in the downing of MH17 is vital."

Australia and the Netherlands have requested negotiations with Russia over the circumstances behind the attack on the plane.

Ms Bishop is also meeting the new Malaysian foreign minister in August to discuss MH17.

The flight was on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when pro-Russian rebels fighting Ukrainians brought it down near Donetsk on July 17, 2014.

The attack killed 298 people, including 38 Australians.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from G7 nations have called on Russia "to account for its role" in the aircraft's downing.

International investigators said in May the BUK anti-aircraft system used to bring down the jet belonged to the Russian military.

Russia has denied any involvement in the disaster.

"In a rules-based international order, those responsible for unacceptable actions, such as the firing or launching of the BUK missile of Russian origin, which intercepted and downed a civilian aircraft, must be held accountable," the ministers said in a joint statement.

"To this end, we call on Russia to immediately engage with Australia and the Netherlands in good faith to explain and to address all relevant questions regarding any potential breaches of international law."

The G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, and the United States.


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