In Washington, Dutch FM stresses "accountability" for MH17

Minister Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs stressed how important it is that the MH17 investigation now goes in the direction of accountability now that the repatriation phase has been finalized. He said this before his meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington D.C. on Thursday. "This is a crucial phase we are in. The repatriation phase has been finalized yesterday (Thursday, ed), and now it's important that we go in the direction of accountability." Koenders said. Kerry also called accountability a very significant step. "Let me say how much we respect the leadership of the Netherlands on the issue of the Malaysian Airlines MH17. They are leading the investigation and also leading the efforts for accountability, and that is a very significant step." Kerry also stated that the United States is grateful for the Netherlands participation and leadership in the anti-ISIS efforts as well as the humanitarian efforts, including in dealing with Ebola and dealing with the refugee crisis from the Middle East. Koenders called the United States an "invaluable ally". "As you know, there is a lot going on in Europe and around Europe. And I think the transatlantic relationships are more important than ever to work together to reduce and to de-escalate the conflicts that we have in our region." The ministers will discuss a number of topics in their meeting, including their concerns about Yemen and the foreign terrorist fighters.