Helios Cyprus investigator sworn in

Former member of the Supreme Court Panayiotis Kallis was sworn in as the member of the independent Investigating Committee that will fully look into the causes of the air crash of Helios Airways in August 2005 that killed all 121 people on board.

Kallis was appointed eight months after the crash on 10 May 2006 by the cabinet to look into all possible causes of the crash.

The Greek Air Accident and Incidents Investigative Committee presented a draft report on the crash on May 18 this year.

The head of the investigation, Akrivos Tsolakis, said that until the report is finalised on July 18, it will remain confidential, although Cypriot media have already reported that no single organisation has been blamed.

Cyprus Minister of Transport Haris Thrasou said the committee’s terms of reference are broad enough to enable an in-depth investigation into the causes of the crash without restrictions or obstacles. It will also extend to the procedures, practice and levels of security implemented on the specific flight.

Thrasou said the government will respect the contents of the report issued by the Greek Investigative Committee, as well as the report that will be issued by Kallis.

In his reply, Kallis said the committee has the power to call for any witness it believes has information and may help its work.