DHAKA: Malaysia has said that it wants to set up an international tribunal to prosecute those suspected of having shot down flight MH17.

The Malaysia Airlines passenger plane crashed in July 2014, with the loss of all 298 people on board, reports bbc.

It had been flying over territory held by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine when it was hit.

Separatist leaders have denied accusations they used an anti-aircraft missile to shoot down the plane.

New Zealand's UN ambassador Gerard van Bohemen, president of the UN Security Council for July, said Malaysia had "briefed the council members this morning of their intention to present a resolution in relation to MH17".

"They are seeking to find a mechanism to deal with criminal accountability in relation to the downing of the aircraft."

He added that the move was a joint proposal by Malaysia, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ukraine.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov has called the plan "not timely and counterproductive," according to AFP news agency.

BDST: 1200 HRS, JULY 03, 2015
RS