News item | 29-09-2022 | 15:15
Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management) spoke with fellow ministers in Canada on Tuesday and Wednesday about holding Russia liable for the MH17 plane crash.
Harbers was in Montreal for the meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO, which is held once every three years. In March of this year, the Netherlands started a so-called Article 84 procedure against Russia within ICAO, together with Australia, after that country cut off talks about the air disaster with the Netherlands and Australia.
In talks with fellow ministers, Minister Harbers drew attention to the issue and asked for support in the procedure. The aim is to get Russia back to the negotiating table, to have them recognize responsibility for the disaster, and to start a conversation about compensation for the next of kin.
The Joint Investigation Team investigating the disaster concluded in 2018 that MH17 was shot down by a Russian BUK missile. According to the Dutch government, Russia has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention. Russia to this day denies involvement.
“We are confident that the JIT has provided compelling evidence of the worrying role the Russian Federation played in the horrific loss of MH17 and its many casualties, thereby failing to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention. Harbers said in his speech to ICAO member states on Tuesday. “We also believe that the ICAO Council is empowered to take up this matter and return the Russian Federation to the negotiating table.”