Middle East peace at risk over Ukrainian airliner disaster warns ex-British ambassador

He said on BBC Newsnight: “I don’t think the tragedy of the Ukrainian airliner is going to have a long-term impact on the prospects for resolving the disagreement over the future of of nuclear agreement. “This includes the disagreement about the role of the US in the middle east. “I don’t think that the tragedy is going to have an impact on an early end of the economic war which the US unjustifiably is mounting against Iran.

“It is too soon to speculate to what Iran are going to say tomorrow.

“The only thing that can reduce tensions is a fresh diplomatic effort.”

It comes as Boris Johnson has claimed he has received “a body of information” that shows Iran is indeed is to blame for the crash which killed all 176 people aboard.

The Government has said it was looking into “concerning” reports about the crash.

Mr Johnson had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and afterward called for a “full, credible and transparent investigation” into what happened.

Mr Zelenskyy ordered a criminal investigation not long after the details of the tragedy became public this week.

He called for UK aviation experts to help with the investigation into the crash.

A spokesman for the President said: “The President invited the United Kingdom to join the investigation.

READ MORE: Iran admits it ‘unintentionally’ shot down Ukrainian airliner

“Four British nationals were among those who were killed, and we are providing support to their families at this most terrible time.

“There is now a body of information that the flight was shot down by an Iranian Surface to Air Missile.

“This may well have been unintentional.

“We are working closely with Canada and our international partners and there now needs to be a full, transparent investigation.

“It is vital that there should be an immediate and respectful repatriation of those who’ve lost their lives to allow their families to grieve properly.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s government spokesperson Ali Rabiei, refuted the idea that his country shot down the aircraft.

He went on record to say that has since denied the country is responsible for the crash.

He said any suggestion of Iran being responsible is a “psychological warfare” against Tehran.

However, today Iran have admitted that they were responsible for the plane’s crash.

Via Twitter Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif, said: “A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by armed forces.

“Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster.

“Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.”

source: express.co.uk