US embassy cable - 05ATHENS808

UNCLAS ATHENS 000808 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/TRA 
FAA BRUSSELS FOR KURT EDWARDS 
FAA NEW YORK FOR JOHN BARBAGALLO 
FAA WASHINGTON FOR MIKE DANIELS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAIR, GR, IASA 
SUBJECT: GREECE FORMALLY REQUESTS INTERNATIONAL AVIATION 
SAFETY ASSESSMENT FOR HELLENIC CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY 
 
1. This is an action request.  Please see paragraph 6. 
 
2. (U) The Government of Greece has transmitted to Post a 
formal request for the FAA to conduct another International 
Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) of the Hellenic Civil 
Aviation Authority (HCAA).  In a letter to Ambassador, 
Minister of Transport and Communications Michael Liapis 
states his belief that the HCAA is now in full compliance 
with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety 
and oversight standards and has addressed the issues raised 
by the FAA in its technical review of 2003.  Minister Liapis 
requests an IASA review. Text of letter follows. 
 
3. (U) Begin text:  To H.E. Mr. Charles Parker Ries, 
Ambassador of USA in Athens 
 
Dear Mr. Ries,  I take the opportunity to inform you that the 
Hellenic Civil Aviation Organization (HCAA) is now if full 
compliance with the ICAO Safety and Oversight International 
Standards.  As it is presented in detail in the releveant 
letter of the Governor of HCAA attached herewith, the areas 
of concern identified by FAA during the technical review of 
the HCAA, performed on January 2003, have been corrected and 
stabilized.  So I would like to ask you to formally request 
the FAA to contact HCAA and cooredinate the IASA review. 
Thank you in advance.  Michael Liapis  End text. 
 
4. (U) The Minister's letter, as well as the HCAA Governor's 
letter, has been transmitted via fax to FAA Brussels, 
Washington, and New York and EB/TRA. 
 
5. (U) In addition to the letters of the Minister and HCAA 
Governor, a senior Ministry official has informed Econoff 
that Greece has completed the ICAO checklist, which we 
understand will be delivered to the FAA New York this week. 
 
6  (U) Action requested:  Post requests FAA response to 
provide to the Government of Greece. 
Ries