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Report on Ethiopian plane crash finalized: Aridi
Public Works Minister Ghazi Aridi. Photo by Mohammed Azakir, The Daily Star.
Public Works Minister Ghazi Aridi. Photo by Mohammed Azakir, The Daily Star.

BEIRUT: The official report on the Ethiopian plane crash which killed 90 people after taking off from Beirut in January 2010 has been finalized, the public works minister said Thursday.

The report will be sent to the U.S., France and Ethiopia for a 60-day review process, after which Aridi said Lebanon will take the necessary legal action.

“The report is finalized but it will be made public after the 60-day grace period … And then, the Lebanese authorities will carry out the legal and technical procedures,” Ghazi Aridi said during a press conference held at Rafik Hariri International Airport.

The Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed into the Mediterranean less than four minutes after takeoff on Jan. 25, 2010, after performing two maneuvers ordered by Beirut’s Air Traffic Control team. All 90 people aboard were killed.

A joint investigation committee was created and managed by Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority to investigate the crash and was composed of Lebanese and Ethiopian representatives, along with individuals representing Boeing, the plane’s American manufacturer.

“In the next two days, the report will be … sent to the U.S. delegation considering it is the manufacturer and the Ethiopian authority and the French bureau of investigation which was involved in this case since day one.” The wife of the French Ambassador to Lebanon was killed in the crash. 

The concerned authorities have 60 days to review the report and submit any remarks; otherwise, the report will be made public.

Aridi also said that an Ethiopian delegation arrived in Lebanon on Aug. 19 and held meetings with the head of the Lebanese delegation, Captain Mohammad Aziz, but left without any prior notice and without finalizing their meetings.

Aridi said that some of the victims’ families have begun their own legal procedures regarding the crash.

Aziz, who was also at the press conference in his first public appearance, said investigations into plane crashes usually take several years and every element should be taken into consideration.

“As investigators, we have taken into consideration everything that was presented to us from technical issues, to the weather problems, security or otherwise and everything is discussed in the report even if it is not related to the accident,” Aziz said.

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Comments  
Mikias September 08, 2011 04:04 PM

I do not think you should take such a long time to investigate. It was reported on that date ball of fire in the sky was seen by Lebanese who were around. It is simple for me that there was something: sabotage!

Getahun September 08, 2011 05:56 PM
I wonder if the investigation closely considered the documentary aired by aljaazera on 737-NG models where it disclosed that these models have a serious manufacturing problem which seriously affect the safty issues. I am expecting a complete report. Well, Mr. Aziz, this information is not only available to your team but to the whole world.
Can not wait to read your report.
Kassahun September 08, 2011 06:54 PM
I agreed with Mikias. I don't expect something a good report. That is because as you said, investigator teams to the crash from Lebanese and Ethiopian have not agreed up on some issues. That means teams are not working together and now two reports will be published (From Lebanese and Ethiopian). What do you say if victims’ families ask you, of the two reports, which report is correct? It is obvious, you may say "Our report is correct" and Ethiopians say also same. Whatever time it takes, the report should tell the "truth". By the way, how you finalized the investigation within months? Pls think! This is not a matter of politics or something else rather the life of 90 people.... Both reports have to come the same point and then let the reports convince but not confuse us.
Dr. Harold Barracks September 08, 2011 08:16 PM

The fact Lebanese officials have rushed to blame Ethiopian Airlines even before the investigation started does not suggest this report will be impartial. From the outset, Lebanese authorities were gearing up to blame pilot error for the crash. Ethiopian Airlines need to prepare to battle this case in the courts to the best of its ability. I can't help but wonder whether the Lebanese authorities have looked closely into the terrorism angle to explain what may have happened.

jojo September 08, 2011 10:21 PM

These are the same Lebanese officials after the few minutes of the crash who already concluded it was the pilots fault --- so don't expect a professional, objective report from the Lebanese.

DJ September 08, 2011 10:37 PM

Why did the Ethiopian investigation team leave Lebanon "abruptly" as reported. Something is cooking in Mr. Minister Ghazi Aridi's office and already smells fishy.

Samson September 09, 2011 10:07 AM

I'm afraid that the involvement of Lebanese authorities in the process of investigation will not make the outcome genuine, so they have to pull their hands out from the matter and let other independent experts deal with the matter.

The involvement of these people is I think because of their interest to hide facts and deliver fake stories to the international audience. So the representatives of our people (Ethiopians) have to be careful and look at the report very seriously before accepting it. If they feel something is wrong in the report then they should reject it and take the issue to the international court before signing. Even though the international court is not clean of corruption where the Lebanese can distort facts through payment, it is better to be judged by an international body instead of being cheated by a counterpart.

Amare Gebru September 09, 2011 10:09 AM

I am very disappointed about the loss of my brothers and sisters. I believe the investigating team should take into consideration each and every thing but it doesn't mean the process should take years and decades.

Families of the victims and the international community are looking for the disclosure of the report. Families of the victims are seriously waiting for truth and justice. we expect the report to be professional and professional only. If there is no agreement by the investigating committee, it should be investigated fairly by the third party represented by the concerned bodies. Anyway let's see the report after 60 days.

God bless Ethiopia and keep her children from disaster.
 

Asser Hailu September 09, 2011 11:16 AM

It 's all Sad: a report wouldn't do a thing four anybody... just sad...

Teddy September 09, 2011 10:30 PM

Mr. Aziz

If the Ethiopian officials have rejected your meeting, there seems something fishy in the report. Let us wait with patience!

wubet gebremedhin September 10, 2011 03:34 PM

I agree with mikias simply when I hear this news. My brain crashed like the plane.

Amoraw Abamegod September 11, 2011 09:43 PM
No body believes the Lebanese Authorities.Becuase they have a bushman thinking.All their peace or smile is a plastic.
Mesfin Kassa September 21, 2011 11:22 AM
I do not expect the truth to be told even this time. This world is full of lies and damned politics.
Anteneh September 24, 2011 06:46 AM

I don't think the Lebanese government is telling us the truth because they are beating around the bush.

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