The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Evidence Second Black Box Found

By Vivian Papastefanou

The toxicological tests that are expected to be produced on Friday are to shed light to the causes of the crash. Meanwhile, the second black box that recorded the conversations held between the pilot and the co-pilot was found near the tail of the fuselage. However, a new finding in the flying data recorder puzzled Thursdays meeting between the Greek and American experts. It is about an alarm that sounded at 9:15am on Sunday, before the pilot contacted the Helios Airways mechanic and while the airliner was flying over Cyprus at 14,500 feet. In his contact with the companys technicians, the pilot had reported a major problem in the air-conditioning eight minutes after its takeoff from Larnacas airport. Then there was a contact breakoff for reasons that have not been determined. However, twelve minutes later, namely before the final contact breakoff, the pilot communicated with Larnacas control tower without reporting any problem. Instead, he received instructions on the route to be followed and the feet he was supposed to fly the airliner.

Investigations Have Advanced

Speaking on RIK television network, chief investigator Akrivos Tsolakis stated that the investigations into the causes of the accident have advanced, while significant evidence has been collected so far. "We have left zero point behind," he pointed out and added that all factors and all findings from the moment of the planes takeoff to its crash should be evaluated and analysed. He also announced that metal detectors will be employed to facilitate in-depth checks at the crash scene. "Recovering the three remaining bodies that have not yet been found is a key objective of our investigation," Mr Tsolakis said.

In the meantime, he underscored that the scenarios speaking of the plane being shot down by the Greek fighter jets have been ruled out. He also dismissed the publications claiming that there is a taped conversation between the pilot and the Helios company at the early stages of the flight, citing that when the authorities requested the tape be handed to them, the company said that there had been a conversation but it had not been recorded.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[02] For Carbon Monoxide Negative Results

By Vivian Papastefanou

Chief coroner Filippos Koutsaftis announced the first results of the tests on six bodies. The results ruled out that the victims of the air crash had inhaled carbon monoxide. Mr Koutsaftis said that a small percentage of carbon monoxide that equals to a couple of cigarettes was detected in one body only. At the same time, he mentioned that further results are to be produced in the days to come. The DNA tests on the unidentified bodies, on the other hand, will have been completed in ten days. DNA samples taken from first-degree family members are being transferred to Athens by plane. In fact, Cyprus Deputy Police Chief who departed from Cyprus in the first hours of Friday is expected to deliver the samples to the Greek authorities. A spokesperson for Cypriot police stated that the DNA samples number 133. In the meantime, the investigating authorities keep searching for further two bodies, including that of the German pilot.

Translated by Areti Christou

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Flash Indications

[03] Ioannou Fires Gold Arrow

By Ilias Papaioannou

The Greek anthem was played for Eleni Ioannou, the 14-year-old archer of Greece who won the gold medal at the European Junior Archery Championships that is taking place in Silkborg, Denmark. The wonder girl of the Greek archery, who impressed both her rivals and the spectators with her excellent performances, achieved a 115-112 victory over Russias champion Marina Mozhakina, who bowed before Elenis superiority.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Blasts in Jordan

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

Three rockets rocked Jordans port of Aqaba and first information speak of casualties, said the Israeli radio. Authorities in Jordan are investigating into the causes, said Jordanian Interior Minister Awni Yarfas "The authorities heard a strong blast, its source is unknown and the security forces are investigating the source of the explosion," he said. Two US military ships had been docked in Aqaba port for the past 10 days. Eyewitnesses told Al Arabiya television that the blast occurred near the US ships.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Satisfaction from USA and UN Evacuation Continues in Gaza

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Israeli security forces announced that the early hour of Friday they had finished clearing the settlements of Neve Dekalim and Kfar Darom, which were the scene of heated clashes between security forces and settlers. The police used waters pumps and cranes to remove the settlers who had holed up in Kfar Daroms synagogue. The settlers answered back throwing stones, paint-filled bulbs and acid. During the clashes, 13 Israeli troops were injured, while 160 Jewish were arrested for defying the authorities orders. As per evidence released by the Israeli army, 1,850 settlers left Neve Dekalim and further 655 from Kfar Darom, while following Thursdays operations, more than 80 percent of Gazas 8,500 settlers have been cleared from the region. On Friday, the army will be evacuating Cadid enclave, which is one of the four Gaza settlements that have not yet been evacuated, while the pullout process will be continued to the rest as of next week. The forced evictions will be halted temporarily on Saturday, holiday bank for Israel, and are to be continued on Sunday. The USA and the UN voiced their satisfaction over the realization of Sharons disengagement plan.

Strong Reactions

At the same time, those who oppose Ariel Sharons disengagement plan argued that the pullout from Gaza is a victory for Palestinian militants and that it constitutes treason, since it may trigger more evacuations in the future.

On his part, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon spoke of disengagement from clashes, while analysts claimed that most Israelis back this policy. Furthermore, they noted that the pullout policy will free Israel from foreign pressure to evacuate bigger settlements in the West Bank.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Reduction in Tax Ratios for Natural Persons Measures Against Tax Evasion

By Vivian Papastefanou

Greek Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis announced that as of 2007 employed, pensioners and freelancers will be paying fewer taxes, since the Economy Ministry is directed at gradually reducing the tax ratios. At the same time, as of 2006 employed and pensioners with one-source income will be free from the obligation to submit a tax return. Instead, a pre-completed tax return will be sent to them requiring their signature only. Furthermore, Mr Alogoskoufis said that all electronic services provided by the General Secretariat for Information Systems will be upgraded with the exploitation of 8,600 computers given by Athens 2004 committee. The Taxisnet information system as well as elenxis system that conducts tax inspections will also be elaborated. Mr Alogoskoufis pointed out that eradicating tax evasion and establishing fair tax norms are his Ministry key priority. "We will give tax evaders a hard time. There is no way they get away with it," he explained. Meanwhile, he presented the evidence released by the General Secretariat for Information Systems regarding the total aggregated customers-suppliers sheets. As per evidence, 15,365 fake VAT were founded in a total of 471,000 sheets as well as disparities that reach the amount of 7 billion euros in the sums submitted by customers and suppliers. Mr Alogoskoufis also announced that the electronic submission of the total aggregated sheets becomes mandatory.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Ioannou Claims a Medal

By Ilias Papaioannou

Eleni Ioannou of Greece advanced to the final of the European Junior Archery Championships that is taking place in Silkeborg, Denmark. 14-year-old Greek archer managed to equalize the world record with 115 in12 arrows winning her rival, Catheline Dessoy of Belgium with 115-106. The young archer from Elefsina, Attica, will be claiming the gold medal in a few hours against Russias champion. In her march to the podium, Ioannou disqualified Sarah Prieels ofBelgium in the preliminary round. The game ended in a tie with 112-112, but Ioannou achived a 10-8 victory in the play-offs and qualified. "Eleni made a bad start in her game against Prieels, but she improved her arrows and qualified to the semifinals in the play-offs," said her coach Aleksandros Nasoulas.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] British Designs for its Construction Silent Aircraft

By Vagelis Theodorou

British engineers from the University of Cambridge in cooperation to MIT and Luton airport are designing the first passenger aircraft that will produce no noise after takeoff. The differences of the new aircraft in relation to the present ones lie in the "source of all evil," the engines, as well as the tube, the shape of which is largely responsible for the increased noise. The first design of the silent aircraft is expected to be complete in approximately 12 months, while the first tests are estimated to begin in the next decade. "For passengers we think it will be like flying in a cinema or theatre seat," said SAI (Silent Aircraft Initiative) project manager Paul Collins, thus voicing his optimism for the response of passengers to the ambitious plans of his group. Environmental campaigners and people living on flight paths have already welcomed the campaign to build the jet.

Changes in Engine and Airframe

SAI engineers are aiming to reduce noise levels to minimum, both during takeoff and landing, as well as during the flight, thus ensuring a technically feasible and economically viable solution.

Engines, which are the largest sources of noise, need to change radically. For this reason, the University of Cambridge is cooperating with Rolls Royce in Derby in order to build a new engine. This needs to balance the reduced jet speed required for noise reduction against the level of thrust required for take-off. The team has found that the total exhaust area must be about three times as large as that of todays conventional jet engines in order to achieve this balance. What is more, instead of hanging the engines below the wing, they are looking to embed them in the aircraft to shield people on the ground from the noise.

Apart from the engines, the airframe requires changes too. According to engineers, the airframe produces equal levels of noise as the engines. Therefore, British scientists suggested a completely different shape that the one we are all accustomed. The new jet will have a triangular shape, like Stealth aircrafts.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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