The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-15

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Identification Continues Dreadful Ordeal

By Anna Kourti

The painful process of identifying the bodies was completed on Monday evening. Deputy Health Ministers Thanasis Giannopoulos and Giorgos Konstantopoulos, Cypriot Health Minister Andreas Gabriilidis and coroner Filippos Kotsaftis announced that 24 bodies out of the 45 that were transferred to Goudis morgue have been identified. No one, however, appeared at the morgue for the remaing six, including those of the pilot and a flight attendant. The bodies of the crash that cannot be identified are kept at the morgue in Schistos and will be subject to DNA tests. On Monday at noon, a Boeing of the Cypriot Airways carrying the relatives of the victims landed at Athens international airport. As per experts, the elaboration of the evidence regarding the air tragedy is hoped to be completed within ten days from now. The second black box containing the talks between the two pilots, was also found, however, media sources told that it is in a bad condition thus questioning the credibility of its information. As of Sunday, a three-day morning has been declared on Cyprus with all flags flying at half-mast. Tuesday has been declared as a day of national morning for Greece, as well, while a three-minute silence will be observed at 12am.

They Demand Punishment

The air tragedy has left many unsettled issues in its wake, while the relatives of the victims full of anger and indignation demand those responsible be punished. With blank looks, streaming eyes and screams of pain, the relatives have started identifying the bodies at the morgue in Goudi.

On the other hand, many of the bodies that cannot be identidified are still at the morgue in Schistos. DNA tests will be performed, however, being a longlasting process, the results of the tests will be ready in ten days from now.

As per the list of the victims that was released at noon by the Cypriot police, 99 passengers were Greek-Cypriots and 16 were Greeks. The pilot of the Helios airliner was a German national, while the rest crewmembers were Greek-Cypriots. Ten families were wiped out and many children lost their parents.

The Fleet is not Grounded

In a Press Conference, the President of Helios Airways Andreas Drakos, stated that the company has no intention of grounding its fleet and dismissed the information that the plane had been viewed as not airworthy. Mr Drakos pointed out that the plane had been checked according to the international standards and the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority.

He also said that after the depressurisation problem it had presented in the Wasrsaw-Larnaca flight, the Boeing 737 was checked in London and was judged airworthy by both the British authorities and the manufacturing company.

He then went on to dismiss the information according to which a day prior to the tragedy, a plane mechanic resigned because he had found the plane unable to operate. Mr Drakos underscored that the companys technical personnel is at the disposal of the Greek authorities.

As for the history record of the plane, Mr Drakos maintained that the evidence will be given to the Investigating Committee exactly as it have been recorded. He also denied that the pilot who was to fly the plane refused to do so and therefore he was replaced by saying that the scheduled pilot was the one on board. "Prior to its takeoff, checks had been conducted that allowed its operation," he noted.

With regard to the personnels denial to fly with todays flight to Sofia, Bulgaria Mr Drakos argued that the personnel were friends with the crewmembers of the fatal airliner.

Finally Helios Airways chairman made it clear that the pilot did not communicate with the company via a private frequency to report problems in the air-conditioning.

Bizarre Scenarios

As per information, it will take the experts approximately 10 days to elaborate on the evidence regarding the causes of the air tragedy, while the finding on the causes of the crash will be released much later since the opinion of the manufacturing companys experts that are expected in Athens must be taken into account.

Earlier, chief investigator Akrivos Tsolakis briefed the Transport Minister on the coarse of the investigations, while he is to meet with the two F16 pilots who had a visual contact with the airliner before it crashed.

Sources reported that the investigating committee views the fact that lunch was not served although the plane was ready to land as bizarre. The two unidentified people that were seen in the cockpit along with the exact time of the breakoff in the communication between the plane and Larnacas control tower also stir up questions.

Investigations into the causes of the multifatality air crash are being carried out by the Cypriot police. According to information, all people involved in the fatal flight as well as the ex mechanics and pilots of the Helios Airways will testify about the case.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

List of Victims

Greece in Mourning

Identification Commences

[02] It Was Made Public List of Victims

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Cypriot police released the list of the people and crewmember on board the Helios Boeing 737. 103 of the passengers were Greek Cypriots, many of who of Armenian origins, and 12 Greeks. 22 of the victims were underage. The pilot was a German national, while the rest crewmembers were Greek-Cypriots. The list includes the victims full names, age, address and occupation. Cypriot Transport Minister Charis Thrassou pointed out that the Cypriot police made strenuous effort to draft the list. He also explained that it was not released earlier because the evidence provided by Helios Airways was insufficient and because all the relatives had to be informed prior to the released.

The Identity of the Victims

1. Paraskevas Dimitrious, 30, 5 Zefyrou Str Larnaca.

2. Maria Rikkou, 27, 5 Zefyrou Str Larnaca, chemist.

3. Adamos Evripidou, 61, Archagelos, Nicosia, customs clearance officer.

4. Niki Evripidou, 52, Archagelos, Nicosia, customs clearance officer.

5.Androula Karkania, 46, 10 Pentadaktylou Str, Trachoni, Limassol, owner of a grocery shop.

6. Panagiotis Karkanias, 48, 10 Pentadaktylou Str, Trachoni, Limassol, owner of a grocery shop.

7. Georgios Iakovou, 54, 20-22 Christou Tsiarta Str, Nicosia, health visitor.

8. Margarita Iakovou, 46, Christou Tsiarta Str, Nicosia, private-sector employee.

9. Anastasios Agathagelou, 32, 4D Kyras Morphou Str, Kato Lakatamia Cypriot National Guard captain.

10. Kyriakos Aliouris, 31, Karpasiaa Kapsalos, Limassol, engineer.

11. Andreas Christopoulou (Mavris), 44, 62 Panagias Kykkou Str, Lakatamia, bank employee.

12. Kalypso Christodoulou, 42, 62 Panagias Kykkou Str, Lakatamia, private-sector employee.

13. Eleni Konstantinou, 39, 5 Dikomou Str, Latsia, KOSMOS insurance company.

14. Theofanis Konstantinou, 42, 5 Dikomou Str, Latsia, private-sector employee.

15. Lena Karakosta, 43, 14 Kritis Str, Pallouriotissa, pharmacist.

16. Nikos Karakosta, 53, 14 Kritis Str, Pallouriotissa, pharmacist.

17. Nikos Nikolaou, 27, 3A Kyprou Str, Zakaki, Limassol, engine driver.

8. Theti Nikolaou, 4, 3A Kyprou Str, Zakaki, Limassol.

19. Noni Neokleous, 30, 4A Nikotsara Str, Limassol, teacher.

20. Costas Christodoulopoulos, 45, Athens, Greece, Navy officer.

21. Fotini Christodoulopoulou, 18, Athens, Greece, university student.

22. Anastasios Anastasiou, 36, Larnaca, businessman.

23. Stafani, Chasoula, 18, Athens, Greece, university student.

24. Maria Karakosta, 43, Theodorou Zinonos, Limassol, customs officer.

25. Andreas Karakostas, 46, Theodorou Zinonos, Limassol, customs officer.

26.Pampos Kazamias, 59, Tevkrou Anthia.

27. Panikos Kitromilidis, 43, 80 Kamelias Str, Ekali, Limassol, customs officer.

28. Fani, Kapetaniou Kitromilidi, 42, 80 Kamelias Str, Ekali, Limassol, professor.

29. Marina Nikolaou Christodoulopoulou, 43, Athens, Greece, personal trainer.

30. Eleni Onisiforou, 27, 43 Leontiou Machaira Str, Limassol, kindergarten.

31. Giannoula Neofytou, 55, 12 Zinonos Str, Kokkinotrymithia, housewife.

32. Michalis Neofytou, 28, 8 Grammou, Akropolis, Nicosia, teacher.

33. Elena Michail, 29, Psimolofou, private-sector employee.

34. Antri Kyprianou, 28, 27 Machaira Str, Paliometocho, secretary.

35. Evgenia Kenta, 32, Agios Dometios, Nicosia, employee.

36. Sotiris Katseksou, 60, 2 Mesaorias Str, Strovolos, dental technician.

37. Maria Katseksou, 54, 2 Mesaorias Str, Strovolos, private-sectror employee.

38. Odysseas Kotsofta, 28, Paralimni, car engineer.

39. Chrisoula Koutsofta, 5, Paralimni.

40. Xenia Koutsofta, 27, 20 Agiou Thoma Str, Paralimni, private-sector employee.

41. Georgios Theofanis, probably a Greek citizen, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency.

42. Maria Theofani, probably a Greek citizen, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency

43. Artemis Theofanis, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency.

44. Maria Papagianni, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency.

45. Ioannis Aleksandris, 37, Athens, lawyer.

46. Aris Delidis, Athens, lawyer.

47. Ioannis Papaioannou, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency.

48. Evstathia Mousa, LIBRA TOURS tourist agency.

49. Theodoros Dounas, 38, 7 Neas Egomis Str, Egomi Nicosia, doctor.

50. Michailis Dounas, 10, 7 Neas Egomis Str, Egomi Nicosia.

51. Vasiliki Douna, 8, 7 Neas Egomis Str, Egomi Nicosia.

52. Tasos Dounas, 5, 7 Neas Egomis Str, Egomi Nicosia.

53. Christina Tsopani, 34, 7 Neas Egomis Str, Egomi Nicosia.

54. Christos Pyrilis, 40, Paralimni.

55. Antonia Manoli Pyrili, 36, Paralimni.

56. Eva Pyrilli, 12, Paralimni.

57. Ksenios Pyrillis, 10, Paralimni.

58. Marcos, Pyrillis, 6, Paralimni.

59. Antonis, Antoniou, 39, Paralimni.

60. Maria Antoniou, 35, Paralimni.

61. Christos Antoniou, 9, Paralimni.

62. Christina Antoniou, 6, Paralimni.

63. Michalis Giorgallo, 51, 11 Dimokratias Str, Geri, Nicosia.

64. Anthoulla Giorgalli, 47, 11 Dimokratias Str, Geri, Nicosia.

65. Agathi Evripidou, 41, 65 Marinas Geroudanas, Str, K. Polemidia.

66. Evripidis Evripidou, 47, 65 Marinas Geroudanas, Str, K. Polemidia.

67. Polina Evripidou, 12, 65 Marinas Geroudanas, Str, K. Polemidia.

68. Stefani Evripidou, 17, 65 Marinas Geroudanas, Str, K. Polemidia.

69. Kyriakos Kyprianou, 48, Kolokotroni Dali, merchant.

70. Anastasia Kyprianou, 44, Kolokotroni Dali, merchant.

71.Stella Kyprianou, 16, Kolokotroni Dali, school student.

72. Christa Kyprianou, 14, Kolokotroni Dali, school student.

73. Christodoulos Kyprianou, Kolokotroni Dali.

74. Ôoutounzian Ara, 16, 3 Eleftherias Str, Strovolos, Nicosia, school student.

75. Toutouzian Bariet, 12 school student.

76. Toutouzian Hilda, 45, Eleftherias Str, Strovolos, Nicosia, private-sector employee.

77. Toutouzian Hagop, 51, Eleftherias Str, Strovolos, Nicosia, electrician.

78. Sotiris Konstantinou, 10, 21 Archbishop Makarios Str, Geri, school student.

79. Eirene Konstantinou, 36, 21 Archbishop Makarios Str, Geri, bank employee.

80. Michalis Konstantinou, 39, 21 Archbishop Makarios Str, Geri, importer.

81. Petros Konstantinou, 13, 21 Archbishop Makarios Str, Geri, school student.

82. Polykseni Sophokleous, 30, 14 Lykavittou Avenue, Makedonitissa, Cyprus Airways.

83. Christodoulos Prokopiou, 34, Nicosia, accountant.

84. Maria Pogiatzi, 23, 8 Grammou, Akropolis, Nicosia, accountant.

85. Ioannis Papachristodoulou, 31, Dothiseou Oikonomou, Cypriot National Guard.

86. Mairy, Georgiou, 42, 44 1st Apriliou Str, Mosphilioti, housewife.

87. Michalis Konstantinou, 54, Pera Chorio, lottery shop owner.

88. Kalliopi Konstantinou, 49, Pera Chorio, lottery shop owner.

89. Christina Lappa, 25, 2 Aphaneias Str. Geri.

90. Karapampas, K. Greece, M.I.B.S.

91. Anastasios Kirlakitsis, Thessaloniki Amgitrion Holidays, army officer.

92. Libitsouni E., Greece.

93. Michailidis Ê., Greece M.I.B.S.

94. Gabriilidou Å., 29, 3a Kyprou Str, Zakaki, Limassol, private-sector employee.

95. Kleopas Íikolaou, 66, Kokkinotrimithia.

96. Dimitrios Ompasiis, 26, Nicosia.

97. Georgios G. ,. 25, Kaimakli.

98. Nikos Nikolaou, 30, Psimolophou.

99. Georgios Georgiou, 31, 6 Georgios Papandreou Str, Geri, car engineer.

100. Ntina Konstantinidi, 11 Dothiseou Oikonomou Str, Limassol, teacher.

101. Antriana Chrysanthou, 63, 46 1st Apriliou Str, Mosphilioti, pensioner.

102. Sotiris Chrysanthou, 65, 46 1st Apriliou Str, Mosphilioti, pensioner.

103. Nikos Charalampous, 34, 14 or 15Machaira Str, Paliometocho.

104. Koula, Charalampous, 59, Paliometocho.

105. Konstantina Charalampous, 6, 14 or 15Machaira Str, Paliometocho.

106. Panikos Anastasiou, 38, 4A Nikotsara, Limassol, technician.

107. Maria Eleni Giasoumi, 9,Karmiou, Lakatamia.

108. Sylvia Giasoumi, 46, Karmiou, Lakatamia, teacher.

109. Iasonas Giasoumi, 47, Karmiou, Lakatamia, private-sector employee.

110. Dimos Ksiourouppas, 39, 1 Isokratous Str, businessman.

111. Margarita Ksiourouppa, 34, 1 Isokratous Str, Arapidou, housewife.

112. Sofia, Ksiourouppa, 10, 1 Isokratous, Str, Arapidou, school student.

113. Ioanna Ksiourouppa, 9, 1 Isokratous, Str, Arapidou, school student.

114. Vasilis Rego, 31, 16 Agios Ilarionas Str, Limassol.

115. Periklis Psaroudis, 34, 7a Anagnostara Str, K. Polemidia, Limassol.

Crewmembers: Marten Hans Jurgen, 50, pilot. · Pampos Charalampous, 40, co-pilot. · Louiza Vouteri, 20-30, flight attendant. · Meropi Sophokleous, 20-30, flight attendant. · Andreas prodromou, 20-30, flight attendant · Charis Charalampous, 20-30, flight attendant.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Black August 15 Greece in Mourning

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

The religious celebrations for the Assumption of Virgin were performed on Monday morning in a heavy atmosphere throughout Greece. The tragic death of the 121 people on board the Helios airliner, cast a shadow of deep sorrow to all the believers who crammed the temples on Tinos, Paros and the temple of Panagia Soumela in Veroia, north Greece, as well as on Hydra. "This great day for the Greek Orthodox Church was marked by the tragic air crash that claimed the lives of our fellowmen. Words are not enough to describe everyones grief and sorrow, but mostly the grief and sorrow of their families. We stand by them these moments of great ordeal, and we hope Virgin Mary eases their pain," said the President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias, who attended the Mass at the convent of Molyvdoskepastou near the town of Konitsa, northwest of Greece. Mr Papoulias also attend the memorial service for the victims of the air tragedy. The memorial service was performed upon his request. Greek PM Costas Karamanlis, Greek Ministers and their Cypriot peers attended the Mass at Athens Cathedral. The Prime Minister voiced his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims adding that a thorough investigation will shed light to the causes of the tragedy. PASOK leader Giorgos Papandreou attended the religious celebrations on the occasion of the Assumption of Virgin on Paros. Archbishop Christodoulos officiated at the temple dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin on Hydra.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Drafting the Iraqi Constitution Harsh Negotiations

By Anna Kourti

Iraqi politicians are fighting a battle against time in their effort to draft the countrys new Constitution before the midnight, while it is expected to be submitted to Parliament on Wednesday. On its part, al Qaeda has pledged death to anyone who will cooperate or ratify the treacherous Constitution. At the same time, a suicide attack rocked the centre of Baghdad wounding 11 civilians. A man wearing an explosive belt was detonated in front of a restaurant frequented by policemen, police sources said.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Tomorrow Bank Employees on Strike

By Anna Kourti

OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees) has scheduled a 24-hour nationwide strike for Tuesday. Banks employees are protesting against the incorporation of Emporiki banks supplementary fund into the new single security fund as dictated by the law recently voted by Parliament. On Tuesday evening, the General Assembly of Emporiki Banks shareholders is to be held to approve the proposal made by the banks governor Mr Provopoulos to put forward the proceedings of the incorporation of the banks supplementary fund into the single one. OTOE President Dimitris Kouselas said, "During the General Assembly, the representatives of the employees will draw the shareholders attention to the fact that opinions issued by professor prove that the provisions run contrary to the Constitution. They will also make it clear that shareholders will face penal and civic responsibilities should they vote the governors proposal."

Translated by Areti Christou

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