MH17: Discovery of missile fragments raise more doubts than answers - Envoy

Russian Ambassador to Malaysia, Valery N. Yermolov in a press conference yesterday said the investigations carried out by the Dutch Safety Board (DSB) were 'secretive' and contradicts the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2166.

"If those fragments were found long ago, then why did the Dutch Safety Board consider it a necessity to declare them at the last moment?

"Why did they have to conceal facts of whom, when and where the said fragments were found and what procedures confirming the authenticity of the finding were followed?" he asked.

Apart from these simple questions that were left unanswered, details of the person, time and how the missile fragments were delivered to the Netherlands were also unclear, he said.

Yermolov said, the Dutch involvement in the investigations of the tragedy were also questioned in the Netherlands, and the slow pace in which the Dutch repatriation mission recovered the remains of the victims and aircraft fragments for reconstruction was suspicious.

"During the investigation the Russian side not only asked questions which remain unanswered, but also put forward constructive suggestions, including one of familiarising with the Dutch Safety Board specialists with findings available in Russia.

"If one declares an intention to carry out a truly comprehensive, independent and objective investigation, then those suggestions should no doubt have been used," Yermolov, who was disappointed with no response from the investigation team although invitations were sent twice, reiterated.

Russia acknowledged the efforts made by DSB in the framework of the technical investigation, however, it remains steadfast that the report does not change the fact that a whole range of issues are looming over for answers.

Air crash investigators released their final report Tuesday into the doomed flight, saying the jetliner was downed by a BUK surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 on board.

Maps revealed to reporters indicated it was believed to have been fired from territory held by pro-Russian separatists.

However, Moscow responded by saying it had "serious doubts" about the goal of the inquiry. Following the findings of the Dutch-led investigation, Australia vowed Wednesday it will not be "bullied" in the pursuit of justice.

Among the 298 passengers and crew on board the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 who died during the routine flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur, 193 were Dutch, 43 were Malaysians and 27 were Australians.