Liow: Report did not say who downed flight MH17

BEIJING: The report by the Dutch Safety Board does not apportion blame or point fingers at the culprits behind the deadly downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, said the Transport Minister.

Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the report, which was transparent and professional, was prepared with inputs from the respective countries involved in the investigation.

“This report is important for us to determine the cause of the accident, rather than those responsible for the criminal activity.

“We do not see any accusations against Russia or any separatist groups. We will leave it to the cri­minal investigation team to decide.”

Speaking to reporters after attending the closing ceremony of the Asian Political Parties’ Special Conference on the Silk Road here, Liow said Malaysia thanked the DSB for the comprehensive report.

“The criminal investigation committee can now analyse the document further to decide who the person or body is behind the shooting of the plane,” he added.

MH17 was downed in Ukraine on July 17 last year, killing all 298 on board.