Ukraine is preparing international legal actions to have the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) declared terrorist organizations, President Poroshenko stated during his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Frans TImmermans, the president’s press service reported, July 19.
“I am convinced that trial of the terrorists must be held without fail,” Poroshenko said.
Additionally, Poroshenko expressed his deep condolences over the tragedy of the MH-17 flight and noted that thousands of Ukrainians are bringing flowers to the Dutch embassy in Kyiv and demonstrating their sympathy with the people of the Netherlands. “The Ukrainian people and I personally took the loss of your fellow citizens very much to heart,” he said.
Poroshenko stated that he has directed the government to do everything possible to investigate the circumstances of the terrorist act under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and that he has invited the representatives of the Netherlands, together with representatives of other countries whose citizens perished, to participate in the work of the investigating commission.
Poroshenko noted that OSCE representatives were already on location on Friday, July 18, but were being shelled despite agreements reached (with the terrorists).
“According to available information, the European experts have returned, but their worked is being hampered and they are prevented from collecting evidence. The bodies of the victims are being treated brutally. We find this situation unacceptable. We will not allow for the work of the commission to be hindered and for the representatives of other countries to be unable to conduct an objective investigation,” Poroshenko said.
Timmermans spoke of his feelings when he arrived in Kyiv Friday night and saw many people and flowers in front of the embassy of his country. When he asked the people in Russian what they were doing, they responded “We are expressing our solidarity.”
“My first priority is to return our people home. The families want to bury their loved ones,” Timmermans said. “We are shocked by news that the bodies are being moved from place to place,” he said, adding that people are angered by what they hear. “Please help us return our people home so they can be buried with dignity,” he asked the president.
“As soon as we receive the evidence, we will not stop until those responsible face justice … not only those who pulled the trigger, but those who made it possible. I believe the international community must unite for this purpose,” Timmermans said.
He also noted that he has seen how Ukrainians have defended their independence for more than 20 years. “I saw your elections, Mr. President. I also saw the hopes of your people. We, in the international community, must do everything to help you realize the aspirations of your people,” he said.
The minister said that this tragedy opened Europe’s eyes to what is happening in Ukraine. The Netherlands will now actively encourage more decisive action from the European Union, he said.
As has been reported, on July 17, in the Donetsk Oblast the Boeing 777 passenger jet of the Malaysia Airlines, flight MH-17, was shot down. There were 298 people on board: 15 members of the crew and 283 passengers.
Translation: Anna Mostovych
Source: President.gov.ua