Minister for Justice Michael Keenan has recently announced that Member countries of the joint investigation team (JIT) into the downing of MH17 in July have agreed to extend the investigation into the tragedy for another nine months.
“I reiterated Australia’s commitment to the JIT during high level meetings in the Ukraine this week with the Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko, Prosecutor General Vitaly Yarema, and the head of the Ukrainian security service Valentyn Nalyvaichenko.” Mr Keenan commented.
Mr Keenan explained that Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Groysman thanked Australia for its commitment, and noted the professionalism and dedication of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) working with the Ukrainian authorities. Keenan added that the AFP has approximately 35 personnel working in the Ukraine and The Hague as part of the investigation through the JIT.
“While member countries have agreed to extend the JIT to August 2015, I emphasised that Australia was determined to work for as long as is required to bring those responsible to justice. I had the opportunity to spend time with AFP officers working in the Ukraine, and thank them for their efforts.” Mr Keenan commented “Australia is committed to returning to the crash site. However, the security situation near the crash site remains unstable. Any Australian Government decision to return to the site will be a joint decision with our JIT counterparts if and when it is safe to do so.” Keenan added.