Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-07-12

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] GOVERNMENT - CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

[02] INJURED - CRITICAL CONDITION - HOSPITAL

[03] CYPRUS ENERGY SUPPLY - GREECE - ISRAEL

[04] US CONGRESSWOMAN - NAVAL BLAST - SYMPATHY

[01] GOVERNMENT - CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

According to a written statement of the Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou, issued here today, President of the Republic Demetris Christofias and the Attorney General, as well as the Assistant Attorney General, held an afternoon meeting to advise the President as regards the handling of the investigation over the tragedy at the Naval base in Marie.

Besides the criminal investigation, the President will propose to the Cabinet, due to hold a meeting next Thursday, June 14, the appointment of a commission to carry out a prompt investigation on every aspect of the issue and impute responsibilities for the tragedy.

[02] INJURED - CRITICAL CONDITION - HOSPITAL

Speaking to the press Kyprianou noted that the identity of the one injured person remains unknown thus there will be DNA tests for his identification.

He explained that the injuries were so terrible, that his whole face could not be identified. There was a preliminary identification by his mother, who recognized a mark on his arm, Kyprianou added.

He underlined his brain function is the major problem and therefore the doctors want to be confident before they make any announcements. Kyprianou also said that a specialist from Israel is coming to Cyprus to provide medical assistance.

Minister of Health Christos Patsalides on Tuesday visited the injured, noting that the situation is extremely difficult. Twelve people were killed, namely six firemen, four National Guard members and two sailors, by the huge blast which rocked nearby communities and caused extended damage. Nearby Mari village suffered most of the damage.

The massive explosions occurred at the Naval Base Evaggelos Florakis, in Zygi, near Limassol, a few minutes before 0600 local time.

The blast occurred in the containers, full of munitions, which Cyprus had confiscated from ``Monchegorsk``, a vessel sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009.

[03] CYPRUS ENERGY SUPPLY - GREECE - ISRAEL

In his statements, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides said that he had a telephone conversation today with the Greek Deputy Prime Minister Theodoros Pangalos during which they discussed about the situation electricity generation in Cyprus following the deadly blast, killing 12 people and injuring many more.

Paschalides said that the issue was discussed during a cabinet Council meeting held today in Greece, adding that Greeces help on the issue is very important. Ministers aid that the final aim of the consultations underway is power generators to be dispatched from Greece to Cyprus as soon as possible, noting at the same time that power generators bids would also be sought from the private sector.

A request for Expressions of Interest for the supply of power generators as soon possible is expected to be released, according to Paschalides. Government Spokesman said that President of the Republic Demetris Christofias chaired Tuesday a meeting on the issue of energy production, which was attended by the Minister of Commerce and the representatives of Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the Energy Regulatory Authority and the Transmission System Operator providing a briefing on the situation.

He said that the briefing included both the issue of electricity generation and its management, adding specific decisions had been taken on how to utilize all offered energy sources, of course, adhering to all legal procedures.``

He noted that the consultations with Greece are at an advanced stage, adding that consultations are also underway with Israel. He also said that bids were also sought from private citizens. Moreover, Paschalides said that a huge effort is currently underway by all stakeholders to restore the power generation at the Vassiliko power station, something that cant not be easily and quickly achieved.

[04] US CONGRESSWOMAN - NAVAL BLAST - SYMPATHY

My heart goes out to the people of Cyprus after the devastating explosion at a Cypriot naval base near Limassol that took the lives of several people and injured many more, American Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues said in a statement.

The fiery blast, she added, which news reports indicate was felt 30 miles away, has apparently taken a terrible toll not only on the naval base and a nearby power station, but also on Cypriot villages located near the site of the explosion. All the Cypriot people are in my thoughts and prayers at this terrible time, she noted.

In conclusion, she said that when tragedy strikes around the world, Americans have a proud tradition of generously supporting those in need. I encourage New Yorkers seeking to assist the Cypriot people to support relief efforts to help ease the suffering of Cyprus in the wake of this calamity.

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