By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, July 21 -- After the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to an independent international investigation of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine, Inner City Press asked Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the UN Hussein Haniff if there is, in fact, an agreement with the separatist rebels for Malaysia to get the black boxes. Video here.
Ambassador Hussein Haniff said yes, “there is this understanding that the black box will be handed over to Malaysia.” He said, “We have our people ready, we hope this agreement will be honored.”
Inner City Press asked when the hand-over is supposed to take place.
“Like around now,” Ambassador Hussein Haniff replied. It was just past 5 pm in New York on July 21.
Earlier on July 21 at the US State Department's press briefing in Washington, Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf was asked if Malaysia was breaking ranks with other countries by making its own deal with the rebels, and if an agreement with Malaysia about the black boxes and flight recorders would give the separatist rebels leadership any legitimacy.
No, Harf insisted. Watch this site.
