UN tribunal still under discussion despite rejected by Russia

HULU SELANGOR: The United Nations (UN) tribunal to try those responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 is still under discussion even if Russia had rejected the bid.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the tribunal is to ensure the trial for those responsible for shooting flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine last year would be done thoroughly.
"If the tribunal would help us to ease the investigation, then we will support it, but we are still under discussion and still looking at ways on how the tribunal can help the investigation.
"The tribunal is by UN resolution, even if Russia had rejected it, we can still discuss it and the opinions of various nations would be considered," Liow said after opening the Hulu Selangor MCA division annual general meeting here.
Moscow media had reported today that a senior Russian official had rejected the call for the tribunal establishment.
According to the report, Russia deputy foreign minister Gennadiy Gatilov had reject the tribunal saying it would be counterproductive and not timely.
The Netherlands, Malaysia and three other countries want a UN tribunal to investigate the MH17 crash on July 17 last year which killed all 298 passengers and crew.
The Boeing 777 passenger jet was traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down in eastern Ukraine.
It is understood that the tragedy happened during some of the worst fighting between Ukraine forces and pro-Russian separatists who took up arms against Kiev's pro-Western government a few months earlier.
Liow added a memorial service will be held at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, at 10am on July 11, to remember those who were on board Flight MH17.
The event was to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragedy.
Liow added he would stress the need for a jet tracking system and information sharing for commercial flights at the European Civil Aviation Conference which will be held in France on June 30th and July 1st.
"We received positive feedback from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and need to stress on the issue.
"Malaysia were given the privilege to share our experiences and our opinion on this matter," Liow said.