About the 23d Session of the IACO Council
The 23d Session of the ICAO Council is being opened in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) headquaters in Montreal on October 27, this year.
The agenda of the Council Session included the following issues:
- Task force report at the level of senior Directors on risks to civil aviation arising fr om conflict zones;
- The most recent data on the aircraft cash of "Malaysian Airlines" (flight MH-17);
- Council Resolution concerning the aircraft crash of Malaysian Airlines (flight MH17) in the eastern Ukraine on 17 July 2014;
- Threat of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS). The ICAO proposed actions.
- Council Resolution draft to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation;
- Initiative in the field of aviation security/facilitation in AFI region and others.
Taking into account the issues of strengthening flight safety and aviation security, prevention of aircraft accidents similar to the fatal accident with the aircraft of Malaysian Airlines on 17 July this year the IAC sent the document "Measures on prevention of civil aircraft downing" prepared in August this year to the President and members of the Council.
It includes initiatives and measures aimed at prevention of destruction and damage of civil aircraft, vital civil aviation infrustructure facilities as a result of military operations including the zones of current and potential military conflicts and the need to conduct impartial international investigations.
Tragic crash of the aircraft operated by "Malysian Airlines (flight MH17) in the eastern Ukraine with 298 people on board and other similar events in the world cause damage to the goals of safe and orderly development of international civil aviation, effect safety and stability in the world and cause concern of all international community.
More than 50 fatal accidents with large number of fatalities connected with destructon or damage to civil aircraft as a result of using weapon against them have occured in global aviation since 70's of the last century. Such facts lead to evident conclusions about insufficiant measures taken by global aviation community to ensure international civil aviation flight safety in zones of current and potential conflicts.
The Interstate Aviation Committee supports the ICAO and other international organisations efforts which would contribute to the fullest and the most efficient implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2166, overall, thorough and independent investigation of the fatal accident specified above in accordance with the ICAO guidlines, as well as the development and implementation of measures aimed at ensuring flight safety and aviation security in order to prevent the similar accidents with civil aircraft including armed conflict zones. The IAC has already stated its preference for conducting international investigation under the ICAO authority and taking necessary measures concerning its statements from 19, 23 and 25 July, 2014.
The following initiatives are presented in the IAC document: responsibility of states wh ere conflicts arise; identification of no-fly zones; responsibilities of ATM authorities; compensation of damage to civil aircaft or civil aviation infrastructure facilities as a result of military activity; need for monitoring by the ICAO; upgrading of ICAO standards and recommended practices in this field as well as in the field of ensuring international independent investigation of the similar fatal accidents and other necessary measures.
This document is supported by the range of states and international aviation community.
The IAC consideres it's necessary to take concrete measures presented in the document without delay and supports the early holding of the specialized world special meeting/conference and/or extrardinary ICAO Assembly.
The State Secretary of the Interstate Aviation Committee Vladimir Chkhikvishvily - professional expert in international law who has significant practice in this field will attend the ICAO Counsil Sesson.