Ukrainian Airlines Boeing 737 crash due to Iranian surface-to-air missile (Trudeau)
(B2) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau threw a stone into the pond, this Thursday (January 9), by announcing this news: the crash of the Boeing of Ukrainian Airlines in Tehran is not accidental but has a military origin. A new crisis begins?
Bundles of consistent information
« Intelligence from various sources, including our allies and our own [...] indicate that the plane [a Boeing 737] was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile assured Justin Trudeau during a press conference held in the afternoon.
Probably an unintentional shot
This missile was fired without a doubt unintentionally » he added during a press conference held this afternoon in Ottawa. However, he did not want to rule out the possibility that the shooting was intentional.
A necessary investigation
The Prime Minister did not want more details, assuring that it was necessary above all " a thorough, credible investigation to determine the exact causes of the incident. " Canadians have questions and they deserve answers ».
A crash just after takeoff from Tehran airport
The aircraft, a Boeing 737, crashed at 6:10 a.m. local (3:40 a.m. Paris time) on Wednesday (January 8), shortly after (six minutes) its takeoff, near the town of Sabashahr, southwest of Tehran , after trying to turn around, according to the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), quoted by theAFP.
63 Canadians and 16 Europeans victims
All 176 people on board died. Among them are 16 Europeans (10 Swedes, 3 British and 3 Germans), 63 Canadians, 82 Iranians, 11 Ukrainians (including the 9 crew members), 4 Afghans, according to the report given by Vadym prystaiko, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs (1).
Dutch and French assistance
The Canadian leader spoke with several leaders, in particular with Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, who experienced a similar incident during the crash of the MH17 in Ukraine, victim of a fire from the prorussians (2). A useful exchange of experience, particularly on the dialogue with Russia. " The Dutch are ready to help us with this investigation ". France, too, through President Emmanuel Macron “ offers us his assistance " he added. These could include experts from the accident investigation office as well as the French manufacturer Safran " since the engines [of the aircraft] were made in France “, confirmed Justin Trudeau.
Commentary: responsibilities to be released
This announcement puts an end to a whole series of rumors that were beginning to swell. It is now putting pressure on the Iranian government, which will have to quickly clarify the circumstances of the incident (3). In turn, it could highlight a certain indirect American responsibility (even if it cannot be placed at the same level). The gesture of US President Donald Trump giving the 'green light' to the extra-judicial execution of General Soleimani has contributed to the increase in tensions in the region.
Towards an Iran-Usa-France investigation team
Will this rebound contribute to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East or, on the contrary, to a certain desire for deconfliction? It is too early to judge. But we could witness a certain 'crash diplomacy'. Ironically enough, according to international rules, an investigation into a plane crash brings together the investigation services of the country where the accident took place (Iran), the country that owns the plane (Ukraine), the country that manufactures the plane (the Americans from Boeing and the French from Safran). Rules that Tehran intends to respect displays a dispatch from the Iranian agency Irna. The countries of the victims, in particular Canada (2nd country of origin of the victims) could also be associated. At least Justin Trudeau asked for it.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
A ban on overflight as a precaution
An extraordinary meeting of European aviation safety experts is scheduled to take place on Friday (10 January) to "to assess the possible risks and implications of the situation in the Middle East, said Stefan de Keersmaecker, Transport Spokesperson for the European Commission, on Thursday (9 January), during the midday briefing. In the meantime, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) a recommended "to avoid commercial flight operations over Iraqi airspace ».
- Figures may vary, with several passengers holding dual nationality (Canadian-Afghans and Iranians). Iran recalls thus another assessment of 147 nationals killed and 32 foreigners.
- Lire: MH17 crash. The guilty, the responsible. As a European problem too!
- Read also: Iran acknowledges its responsibility
Updated January 11, 9 a.m. with reference to the following article
