The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Of the Second Black Box Awaiting Evidence

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Friday, the location of the second black box, which was found near the tail of the craft, will shed light to the mystery fall of the Helios Boeing. Its function is the recording of the conversations between the two pilots and the control towers, during the last 30 minutes, evidence that is expected to give important answers to the questions over the tragedy in Grammatiko. The findings of the first black box, which records what took place during the flight, give a new twist to the investigations since their analysis concluded that eight minutes after the Boeings take off an alarm sounded, and oxygen masks dropped, which means that there wasnt a sufficient quantity of oxygen in the passengers cabin. At the same time, the testimony of a Dutch pilot of a charter flight has stirred a commotion, since according to his sayings he heard womens cries in a language he did not understand. This means that the persons who had entered the pilots cabin were trying to communicate through radio, but did not find the right frequency. In the meantime, the toxicology exams on six victims that have been recognized, ruled out the event that the passengers had inhaled carbon monoxide, and now investigations are focused on the detection of other substances that possibly permeated the airplane.

At the same time, the discussion of the German pilot, Hans Junger Merten, with the ground engineer of Helios, who was informed a few minutes after take off that the airplane was facing a problem with the air condition, remains a mystery. The airline company confirmed the fact that the conversation took place, which was not however recorded. Moreover, there are speculations that during the conversation between the two men there was a communication problem, possibly due to language, and which stood as an added factor to the aircrafts crash.

The role of the Civil Aviation Authority, during the first critical minutes when the aircraft entered Greek national airspace, is also enigmatic. With an announcement the Authority answers to articles that speak of delays and noted that all the discussions from the control towers are being investigated with special attention, and the necessary procedures will take place without delay.

"Helios Shouldnt Have Been Flying"

Today, Cypriot newspaper Fileleftheros in an article claims that the representative of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which had arrived in Cyprus for a check of the countrys Civil Aviation Authority, stated "neither the department were in position to assume handling airline companies, and a license shouldnt have been given to Helios Airways under the given circumstances."

According to the article, since 1999 the representatives of ICAO had located "gaps and weaknesses" in the Cypriot Civil Aviation Department which had been presented to relevant bodies, while they stated that highly confidential reports over the Helios issue to the Cypriot Civil Aviation Authority exist, which will be submitted in the Airplane Accident Investigation Committee.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Helios Emergency Landing

Second Black Box Found

Negative Results

[02] Siamese Twins Pass Away

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The two Siamese girls that were born a month ago by a Nigerian mother and were hospitalized in a stable in condition in Aglaia Kyriakou Hospital passed away. On Friday evening, the Scientific Council decided on an emergency separation surgery after the death of one of the babies. Unfortunately, regardless of the successful separation, which lasted three hours, the second girl passed away, who suffered from a severe heart condition, passed away at 20:20.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Suspense Over Siamese Twins

Related Links:

Aglaia Kyriakou Hospital

[03] Chinese-Russian Military Exercises Commence Peace Mission with 10,000 Soldiers

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, ANA

The code name of the joint military exercises of Russia and China is "Peace Mission 2005," the second stage of which started on Saturday in the eastern peninsula of Shandong. Thousands of Special Forces men from the two countries are taking part in the first Chinese-Russian military exercises performed on Chinese ground that will end on August 25. The first stage of the exercises took place on Thursday in Vladivostok, while apart from soldiers, naval ships, submarines, fighter planes and helicopters are also taking part in. The scenario of todays exercises includes the so-called invasion in the Shandong Peninsula with the participation of marines and red berets. The exercises are closely observed by the US who express the hope "they will take place in such a way that will support the stability in the area, an aim which is supported by the US, China and Russia," as State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack stated. However, China and Russia have repeatedly stated that the exercises are not aimed at intimidating but "to protect the peace and stability in the area and around the world," since they are affiliated in the context of a fight against international terrorism and extremism.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Performed Emergency Landing All is Well for British Boeing

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

A new case of an emergency landing of a Boeing 737 aircraft took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, when an airplane of British charter company Astreus presented a problem with the valve in the decompression system, and landed in the airport of Brest in western France. The aircraft was en route from Minorca to Leeds, when the pilot detected the problem and landed the craft for precautionary reasons. In the morning, its144 passengers were transferred to another Boeing 757. Even if the landing took place without any problems, a spokesperson of the airports Fire Brigade stated that three person presented health problems due to the speedy declension of the aircraft. "A British woman suffered an asthma attack, another passenger a panic attack and a third one complained of jaw discomfort," stated the source.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Started the Proceedings of the 7th Conference President at Panepirotic Conference

By Athina Saloustrou

President of Republic Karolos Papoulias started the proceedings of the 7th International Panepirotic Conference in the outdoor theatre of the Epirotic Studies Company in Giannena. 1,300 members from Greece and abroad are participating in the Conference, while the Minister of Development represented the government. Starting the proceedings, Mr Papoulias stated that Epirus, regardless of the undoubting progress that has been made, is still in geographical seclusion, while it holds great developmental capabilities. Following, he made special reference to the planning of a joint action, in order for the maximum to be given to Epirus development that has to balance out, adapt and move forward. "The efforts for the development of transport infrastructure," said Mr Papoulias, "the completion of Egnatias Odos and the creation of Ionias Odos and the train connection are important factors of the economic growth. Unfortunately the national importance of these connecting infrastructures of Epirus with the rest of Greece and abroad was not evaluated as should. The advancement of energy, industry, bi-border cooperation, as well as the utilization of man power are also imperative conditions in fulfilling our aims." The Conference is broadcast live thought the Internet at Ert.gr.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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