BY SAMMY JULIAN
WE bet even the persons responsible for the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine would condemn in the strongest manner such brutal act they themselves committed. Why else do they cowardly hide, distancing themselves from the crime, avoiding being too closely identified from this unconscionable assault on a non-military aircraft that posed no threat whatsoever to any party? They cower in shame from what they have carried out – such are the low-life criminals.
To the families and friends of the victims, we convey our profound condolences. To those who perpetrated the dastardly deed, may you all rot in hell.
But first things first; it is of utmost importance that the international community come together to help determine those who are responsible for this brutal act against a civilian airliner in civilian airspace. Those responsible should be made fully accountable.
It is furthermore essential that the international community take concerted action to help reduce such tragedies around the world. States and non-state elements in dispute should exercise restraint, respect international law, and search for peaceful resolutions to disputes.
This horrifying incident serves as the starkest reminder of the harrowing outcome of hostilities and how it affects countries and families well beyond where the actual fighting is taking place.
This bitter episode in the history of mankind must at the very least prompt a serious and sustained effort to end the fighting not only in Ukraine but wherever violent disputes are taking place.
Establishing a path to peace in areas of conflict elsewhere in the world requires a concerted effort by national actors from across the political spectrum, backed by strong and unified support from the international community.
Thus, we as an international community should continue to strongly urge authorities to act with maximum restraint and to make every effort possible to ensure the protection of civilians caught in the fighting.
A first, critical step would be to emphasize the need for armed groups to immediately disarm and stop engaging in unlawful and violent acts.
Grievances can and must never justify endangering the lives of innocent civilians./PN
