News

On 21 July the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution on the Malaysia Airlines flight downed over the territory of Ukraine. The tragic plane crash took place on 17 May in the Donetsk region, which currently is under separatist control.

The Resolution condemns the downing of the plane in the strongest terms and recognises the efforts underway by Ukraine to institute an international investigation of the incident. The text also demands that the armed groups in control of the crash site and the surrounding area refrain from any actions that may compromise the integrity of the crash site and immediately provide access for the appropriate investigating authorities, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

In an explanation of vote Lithuania – a co-sponsor of the resolution – expressed concern over foreign-controlled armed groups impeding access to the crash site for Ukrainian, international investigators and OSCE observers, failure to hand over the black boxes and inexplicable tampering with evidence. Lithuania also reiterated that responsibility for the downing of the flight lies with those who have been orchestrating an increasing flow of foreign fighters, arms, and heavy military equipment to the Eastern Ukraine, and is part of the armed aggression against Ukraine.

Full text of the statement:

The international community has been in painful shock since the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine on Thursday.

Ukrainian and international investigators, OSCE observers were obstructed by illegal armed groups to secure, investigate and collect evidence at the crash site. Black boxes apparently remain in the hands of the armed terrorists. Inexplicable tampering with evidence has been taking place. Only after sustained pressure OSCE observers were allowed access to the site.

This tragedy touched all of us, by depriving the right to live of almost 300 loved ones, including 80 children.  The Government of Lithuania extends deep condolences and shares the grief of all those families in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathy.

Remains of the victims must be treated in dignity and returned to the families as soon as possible.

In the face of this unjustifiable incident we look forward to a thorough and independent international investigation in accordance with international civil aviation guidelines. Perpetrators of this despicable crime must be brought to justice. Impunity will not go unpunished.

We welcome the adoption of the unanimous resolution tabled by Australia. 13 Security Council Members, including mu own, co-sponsored it. We have requested the Secretary General to report to the Security Council on the relevant developments and identify options for UN support to the investigation. We aks the SG to make it as soon as posisble.

We commend Ukraine for its immense efforts to convene an objective, transparent and full investigation.

We commend the announcement by the Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko of the immediate ceasefire within 40 km radius around the crash site. Do we expect a similar decision from the illegally armed groups and their backers? 

Mr. President,

Responsibility for the downing of the MH17 flight lies with those who have been orchestrating an increasing flow of foreign fighters, arms, and heavy military equipment to the east of Ukraine. It is part of the armed aggression.

Lithuania urges Russia to unequivocally distance itself from any kind of direct or indirect support to separatists, terrorists and foreign fighters in east of Ukraine.

Ongoing illegal criminal activities by the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic are appalling. The numbers of civilians killed, injured, and evicted grow every day. Armed gangs do not care about civilians of Donetsk or Luhansk, their human rights or their welfare. Both groups shall be headed to the terror list. 

Tomorrow the Foreign Ministers of European Union will discuss additional measures against those stoking the conflict in Ukraine.  We urge all states to stop military co-operation with Russia until Russia unequivocally commits to peace, security and stability of its neighbours, including Ukraine.