Prime Minister Rutte spoke with President Putin about establishing a UN tribunal regarding the MH17 air disaster.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte spoke with President Vladimir Putin this morning, once again drawing the Russian leader's attention to the proposal submitted by Malaysia for a resolution establishing a UN tribunal to try those suspected of perpetrating the MH17 air disaster. The Security Council is to vote on the resolution on Wednesday evening in New York.
Mr Rutte specifically addressed Russia's doubts about the timing and form of the tribunal, stating that the Netherlands had carefully listened to Russia's earlier questions. He stressed that it was preferable to make a decision about the tribunal before the facts and charges have been established precisely in order to avoid politicising the prosecution process. This has also been the course of action taken in the past with most of the other specialised UN tribunals. In addition, there will be plenty of scope for states to provide information to the tribunal, which will be bound by the highest international standards of independence and legitimacy.
In their open and detailed conversation, Mr Rutte urged the Russian president to allow latitude for trying those responsible for the MH17 disaster in a UN tribunal. Russia undertook to do this by approving resolution 2166. We all have a duty to the victims of this terrible disaster and their families to see justice done, said Mr Rutte.
Mr Rutte spoke to Prime Minister Razak of Malaysia about the resolution yesterday. The Dutch government has been reaching out to other leaders as well, in a concerted diplomatic effort. Foreign minister Koenders has been in talks with various parties in New York yesterday and today and will address the Security Council about the resolution at today's session.