The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 today issued the following joint statement:
“Almost two years ago, in the early morning of January 8, 2020, the Iranian military fired two surface-to-air missiles and destroyed Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 near Tehran.
“We, Ministers representing Canada, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, honour the memory of the 176 innocent passengers and crew who lost their lives that day. We will never forget this senseless loss of life and stand in solidarity with the victims’ families. They deserve transparency, justice and accountability for this reprehensible tragedy.
“As a group of states that have been specially affected by Iran’s breaches of international law, we have united our efforts to ensure that the interests of the victims and their families are served, and that there is respect for the rule of law. With this common purpose, we have consistently called upon Iran to engage in good-faith negotiations to fulfill its international legal obligations to make full reparations for the downing of Flight PS752.
“Most recently, the Coordination Group asked Iran to commit to engaging in negotiations with the Group by January 5, 2022. Unfortunately, on December 27, 2021, we received an unequivocal response from Iran that it does not see a need to negotiate with the Group. After initially agreeing to engage with the Group during our first round of negotiations held on July 30, 2020, Iran is now categorically rejecting any further negotiations with the Group related to our collective demand for reparations. As reparations are owed to the affected states, this matter must be discussed collectively, so that all victims are treated fairly and equally.
“It is clear that Iran continues to avoid its international legal responsibilities, including by refusing to negotiate further with the Coordination Group and make full reparations for its actions. We will not stand for…