The final report by the Dutch Safety Board on the cause of the crash of Flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine is an important step in efforts to shed light on the disaster. I would like to specifically thank the Dutch authorities, which undertook this difficult task at the request of Ukraine. We are convinced that this investigation was conducted in a neutral, transparent manner in accordance with the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The report explains how the terrible crash of Flight MH17 on 17 July 2014 happened and thus provides answers to the urgent questions that have plagued the families and friends of the numerous victims, including four Germans, for some time.

The question regarding who is responsible for the crash of Flight MH17 is not yet answered in this report.

What is clear is that those who are responsible for this terrible disaster must be held accountable – as UN Security Council Resolution 2166 (2014) also demands. The Federal Government is therefore supporting the ongoing international efforts to implement binding and credible law enforcement measures.