The Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, has stepped back from his earlier promise to "shirtfront" the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, over Moscow's response to the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, saying that the incident is just one of many subjects that will be discussed at upcoming top-level international conferences.
Murder In The Sky: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17
The Guardian: Tony Abbott steps back from promise to ‘shirtfront’ Vladimir Putin over MH17
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks during a joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Putrajaya, outside Kuala Lumpur on Sept. 6, 2014.
