18/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a speech in Lisbon on 16 March, European Regions Airlines Association (ERA) Director General Mike Ambrose criticised the draft regulation on investigations after civil aviation incidents or accidents. He said that the new proposal, which was discussed at the last Transport Council (see EUROPE 10096) does not incorporate the criminalisation of air accidents or ensure confidentiality for anyone reporting an accident or incident. ERA recommends amending current legislation on safety investigations to give accident investigatory agencies priority over the actions of other external agencies, such as justice departments, prosecution services and police and ensure their independence, including from the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). (A.By./transl.rt)