Russia blocked attempt to ensure justice for MH17 victim families, Lithuanian diplomat says

Meanwhile, Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius says Russia’s veto shows unwillingness to carry out a full investigation of the tragedy.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baublys expressed regret “over such a step of Russia, blocking the way for ensuring justice for the families of the catastrophe victims”. Constant flows of arms and fighters from Russia to rebel-held eastern Ukraine created conditions for the MH17 tragedy, the Lithuanian representative said.

Lithuania supports further attempts to ensure that the culprits of this catastrophe are brought to justice, the ministry said.

Baublys also drew attention to the fact that the interested countries as well as the international community fully trust the Dutch-led international investigation into the tragedy, being carried out in line with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Chicago Convention.

“Many people probably realize who committed this crime, and such a veto once again shows that simply there’s a lack of willingness for a full investigation and the prosecution of responsible people. But I think the truth will prevail through certain decisions and that other ways to present information to the public and carry out a full probe will be looked for on the international level,” Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius told the Žinių Radijas news radio on Thursday morning.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday failed to adopt a resolution on establishing an international criminal tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the tragedy after Russia used its right of veto.

Eleven UN Security Council members, including Lithuania, voted in favor, while China, Venezuela and Angola abstained. The draft resolution was submitted by Malaysia on behalf of the countries involved in the joint investigation group including Australia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium and Malaysia.

On July 21, 2014, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2166, concerning the MH17 tragedy, expressing support for the “efforts to establish a full, thorough and independent international investigation into the incident in accordance with international civil aviation guidelines” and calling for the prosecution of the culprits.