MCully deeply disappointed over MH17 veto

Murray McCully.
Murray McCully.
The veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution to set up a MH17 tribunal is "deeply disappointing", Foreign Minister Murray McCully says.

The resolution to establish an international tribunal to provide accountability for the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight was voted down in New York this morning.

As current president of the UNSC, New Zealand has been working with Australia, Malaysia, the Netherlands and others to seek justice for the victims of the disaster. The resolution was co sponsored by New Zealand.

"New Zealanders were among the 298 people lost over Ukraine in July 2014 on flight MH17 and we strongly support accountability for this tragedy," Mr McCully said.

Russia had foreshadowed that it was likely to veto the resolution, but Mr McCully said it was still disappointing that the council was not able to reach agreement on the way forward.

"The victims of this tragedy and their families deserve better," he said.

"An independent report on the cause of this tragedy is expected in the coming months. New Zealand will continue to push for accountability for the downing of flight MH17, alongside other affected countries," he said.

By Isaac Davison of the New Zealand Herald

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