 Australia and the Netherlands say they have just begun joint legal action against Russia at the International Civil Aviation Organization over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH178 years ago. Australian Foreign Minister Maris Payne told a news conference that Russia was responsible under international law for the downing of the flight, and action in the United States Aviation Council was a step forward in the fight for justice for the 298 victims, including 38 Australians. Australia said the incident was a clear breach of a convention to protect civilian aircraft from weapons fire. The joint action under article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation is separate to a Dutch murder trial for four suspects over their individual criminal responsibility. So today we are announcing that we have initiated legal proceedings against the Russian Federation in the International Civil Aviation Organization for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014. This is an important step in the fight for truth, justice and accountability for all of the victims of MH17, including the 38 who called Australia home. Russia has to date refused to acknowledge and take responsibility for its clear role in this horrific incident. This case, our case, is firmly based on findings and evidence from the joint investigation team comprised of the investigative agencies of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine as well as the Dutch Safety Board.