UN resolution passed
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning the downing of flight MH17, with Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop telling the council Australia “will not rest” until the bodies are repatriated.
It comes as a train carrying the remains of most of the almost 300 victims of the Malaysia Airlines plane downed over Ukraine last Thursday left the crash site.
• Putin promises co-operation
• MH17 victims begin their final journey
Russia backed the Australian-sponsored resolution at the eleventh hour, finally agreeing to the resolution’s wording.
Ms Bishop told the UN Security Council that the jet’s downing is an “outrage”.
“Our nation mourns the death of all the victims. I cannot begin to fathom the pain and anguish their families feel,” Ms Bishop said.
She said that rebels hampering recovery efforts at the crash site “demanded a response”.
“This is why Australia has brought this resolution to the Security Council. The Security Council has responded,” she said.
“The victims must be treated with dignity.
“It is despicable that this access is not being provided. It is an affront to the victims and their families.”
She said that those responsible for the accidents “will be held accountable for their actions”.