Dutch MPs want answers on Ukraine agreement amnesty

MPs have called on the cabinet to explain what are the consequences for the MH17 plane disaster investigation of an apparent amnesty contained in the agreement on eastern Ukraine.

According to RTL news, the agreement includes a section which states there will be a ‘legally regulated amnesty’ which will rule out people being punished for actions in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of eastern Ukraine.

The BBC states the agreement includes an ‘amnesty for those involved in fighting’.

Foreign affairs minister Bert Koenders told broadcaster Nos that he did not yet know all the facts. ‘The main thing for the Netherlands is that the perpetrators are taken to court and sentenced,’ he said.

Malaysian Airways flight MH17 was brought down over the region last July, apparently by a missile fired by pro-Russian rebels.

Labour MP Michiel Servaes says it is completely unacceptable if the agreement places any limits on the investigation into the downing of the plane, which killed 298 people.

Guarantees

CDA parliamentarian Pieter Omzigt says his party wants to know what the Minsk agreement means for the investigation, given that Ukraine is one of the signatories.

He called on ministers to explain how the Netherlands can guarantee the continuation of investigation.

The Dutch government earlier pledged to ensure that those guilty of shooting down the plane would be brought to justice.