USIA Transcript: Pena: Athens Airport Security Improved (96-05-16)

Miscellaneous Directory

From: The U.S. Information Agency (USIA) Gopher <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>

Athens Airport Security Improved, Transportation Secretary Pena Finds

(Airport has effective security measures) (360)

Following is the text of the May 15 announcement:

In an order issued today, Secretary Pena said that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessed the airport's security procedures and found that they now meet international security standards. An FAA team visited the airport May 6-10.

The Transportation Secretary had announced March 21 that the Athens airport was not maintaining and carrying out effective security measures, a finding he made under the International Security Development and Cooperation Act of 1985.

As a result of today's finding, Secretary Pena said that U.S. and foreign air carriers are no longer required to inform passengers buying tickets and destined for Athens about the March 21 determination. The FAA also will direct that warning signs posted in U.S. airports be removed.

In a letter to the government of Greece, the Secretary conveyed congratulations for the security improvements that have been implemented at Hellenikon International Airport and stated that he was pleased to be able to vacate his earlier decision.

The U.S. Department of Transportation believes that the productive cooperation on the parts of the Greek and U.S. civil aviation security experts led to the positive results.

Under the 1985 law, the Department of Transportation assesses security at foreign airports. If the Secretary determines that security at an airport is not effective, the department is required to notify the foreign government of the findings and recommend corrective actions, after notifying the U.S. Secretary of State. If the deficiencies are not remedied within 90 days, the department is required by law to publish the name of the airport and to inform the public about the finding.