‘SEEKING JUSTICE FOR MH17’

Malaysia among 5 nations to sign MoU on prosecution

MALAYSIA has joined Ukraine, Belgium, Australia and the Netherlands in reaffirming a common resolve to seek justice and accountability against those responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 three years ago.

The five countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Support to Prosecute the Perpetrators of the Downing of MH17 in New York, at the margins of the ongoing 72nd United Nations General Assembly.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman represented Malaysia in the signing of the MoU, which was done at the official residence of the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the UN in New York.

The five nations agreed to prosecute the perpetrators of the downing of Flight MH17 in the Netherlands.

They also confirmed that they would assist one another should any of them face any kind of external pressure to undermine the prosecution or cooperation among them.

The Boeing 777, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew members onboard on July 17, 2014.

Malaysia also joined the chorus of calls for the global elimination of nuclear weapons by signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

By signing it, Malaysia joins other states from the international community in calling for the complete and total elimination of such weapons “as soon as possible”.

“By signing the treaty, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment and support for the longstanding principle of general and complete disarmament, in particular, nuclear disarmament, and measures towards achieving a nuclear weapons-free world.

“It is our hope that other states will also sign this treaty, and that all will work together towards its entry into force, which is when 50 states submit their instruments of ratification,” Anifah said in a statement issued by the ministry.

The treaty contains 20 articles that cover aspects relating to the issue of nuclear weapons prohibition, including prohibitions, declarations, safeguards, measures of elimination, victim assistance and environmental remediation, international cooperation and assistance, meeting of state parties, amendments, and settlement of disputes.

Despite the overwhelming desire to adopt the treaty by consensus, it was put to a vote at the request of the Netherlands on July 7.

A total of 122 member states, including Malaysia, voted in favour of the adoption, while one voted against and one abstained.

Following the adoption of the treaty, representatives of the United States, United Kingdom and France issued a joint statement stating that they “do not intend to sign, ratify, or even be party to the treaty”.

By signing the treaty, Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering commitment and support for the longstanding principle of general and complete disarmament.

DATUK SERI ANIFAH AMAN

Foreign Minister