NZ backs findings on MH17
New Zealand has joined the chorus of international condemnation following the release of the findings of an investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters released an unequivocal statement in support of the findings: that it was a Russian missile that shot down the passenger jet on July 17, 2014, killing 298 people.
Peters announced the Government’s ‘‘deep concern’’ over the findings that the missile originated from the 53rd brigade of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.
Among the dead was a New Zealand citizen and one New Zealand resident. Rob Ayley, 29, was killed as he travelled home from Amsterdam.
New Zealand had ‘‘full confidence in the work and integrity of the Joint Investigation Team’’, Peters said. ‘‘The investigations ... have been careful, methodical and impartial. New Zealand calls on all parties to co-operate fully with the investigation, as agreed in UN Security Council Resolution 2166.’’ The 2014 resolution was sponsored by Australia – which suffered one of the largest losses of life on the flight – and expressed support for the international investigation efforts, as well as calling on all UN member states ‘‘to provide any requested assistance to civil and criminal investigations’’.
It was adopted unanimously. Peters said New Zealand supported international efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
‘‘This significant development gives rise to serious questions.
‘‘The New Zealand Government will assess the latest finding and consider next steps,’’ he said.
Among the unanswered questions was how active the Russian brigade was in the firing of the missile, which came from Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia-backed rebels. It is also not clear how the international community will handle the findings.
Parts of the investigation are ongoing, and the investigation team is not yet prepared to name suspects. Prosecutors have presented their case to the Kremlin but have yet to receive a response.
Russia has denied any involvement. Earlier in the year, Peters appeared reluctant to lay blame at Russia’s feet for both the MH17 tragedy and a chemical attack on a former Russian spy on British soil, as the Government hoped to salvage free trade talks with the Kremlin.
However, those plans were scuppered in the face of international surprise and warnings that it appeared New Zealand was prioritising Russia over free trade talks with the European Union and Britain post-Brexit.
Peters’ statement on the MH17 investigation made no equivocations and New Zealand is likely to take many of its cues from the Australian Government.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said: ‘‘That a sophisticated weapon belonging to the Russian Army was dispatched and used to shoot down a civilian aircraft should be of grave inter- national concern. We are discussing these findings with our partners and considering our options.’’
If the investigation identifies and charges any suspects – and they can be arrested and brought to trial – they will be prosecuted in Dutch courts. Of the people of more than 30 nationalities killed, 196 were Dutch, 42 Malaysian and 27 Australian. Race relations commissioner Dame Susan Devoy will be leaving the Human Rights Commission amid a staff shake-up.
Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero becomes the acting head of the Human Rights Commission, replacing David Rutherford. Last week, a review by retired Judge Coral Shaw found the commission was unable to provide proper care and support for a sexual harassment victim on its staff.
The review was launched by Justice Minister Andrew Little after Stuff revealed a groping scandal at the commission.
Rutherford, chief commissioner since 2011, was criticised for his part in an ‘‘often unco-operative and unprofessional’’ dynamic between the human rights commissioners.
He has indicated he won’t seek reappointment and said he would leave at the end of June.
Also leaving the commission is Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue. Her term expires in June.
Tesoriero takes on the acting role until new appointments are made.
Dame Susan’s term expired in March and she will leave at the end of June.
Ongoing national and international commitments mean Blue will continue in her role until new commissioners are appointed.
On Friday, Little said the report was ‘‘pretty clear there’s a level of dysfunction at the commissioner level – that could not continue’’.
‘‘Three of the warrants have either expired or will expire very shortly. So it’s time to look further afield and see if we can get some new blood,’’ he said.