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Thursday, 26 December 2024 | ||
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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-07-13Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] BLAST VICTIMS - FUNERALSThe funerals of 8 out of 12 victims, killed during a blast at the Naval Base Evangelos Florakis, in the south eastern coast of Cyprus, after containers full with explosives went off last Monday, were held on Wednesday in the cities of Larnaca and Limassol.In the meantime, another blast victim, the 19 year-old Antonis Charalambous, was confirmed Wednesday morning brain dead, after suffering severe injuries, following the explosion at the Naval Base on Monday. According to a medical communique, a four vessels angiography was conducted to Charalambous, confirming his whole brain death. Naval Base Commander Lambros Lambrou, who was promoted to the rank of Captain after death, was buried this morning in the Church of St. George Kontos, in Larnaca. Officers of the Cypriot Navy were carrying the coffin to the interior of the church, while Navy and National Guard contingents were paying tribute to the deceased, amidst protracted ovation by family members, friends and colleagues. The service was performed by Bishop of Karpasia Christophoros, while the President of the Republic was represented in the ceremony by Government Spokesman Stefanos Stefanou. Present at the ceremony were also political party leaders and representatives. Earlier in the morning, the funeral of firefighter Panayiotis Theofilou took place in the Church of St. Constantine in Alamanou, Ormidia, in the presence of Justice and Public Order Minister Loucas Louca, Police Chief Michalis Papageorgiou and the Commander of the Fire Brigade Andreas Nikolaou. The coffin of the deceased was covered with the flags of Cyprus, Greece and of the Fire Brigade, while it was carried into the interior of the Church, under the mournful sound of the music played by the Police Band. The funeral of firefighter Adamos Adamou was held at noon, at the Church of St. Epiphanios, in Alethriko, Larnaca. The President of the Republic was represented in the ceremony by Minister of Communications and Works Erato Kozakou Marcoullis. A little later, the service of firefighter Vassilis Krokos commenced at the Church of St. George Kontou, in Larnaca, in the presence of Justice and Public Order Minister Loucas Louca, DIKO President Marios Garoyian, the Police Chief, the Fire Brigade Commander and other officials, family members and friends. At the same time, the funeral of Warrant Officer Kleanthis Kleanthous was taking place at the Church of St. Stylianos, in Linopetra, in the presence of Health Minister Christos Patsalides. In the afternoon, Chief firefighter Giorgos Yiakoumis was buried at the Church of St. Therapon, in the community of Aglisides, in Larnaca. At the request of the family, no government representatives were present at the funeral. The Church of St. Arsenios, in Limassol, proved small for the crowd that attended the funeral of Navy Commander Andreas Ioannides. Grief and anger was manifested several times during the service, which was performed by Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos and was attended by House President Yiannakis Omirou, Justice and Public Order Minister Loucas Louca, party leaders and representatives, state officials and military personnel from Cyprus and Greece. Last to be buried was firefighter Spyros Ttantis, with the funeral taking place at the Church of Apostle Barnabas in Larnaca, late in the afternoon. His coffin was also covered with the flags of Cyprus, Greece and of the Fire Brigade, while European Party President Demetris Syllouris and Fire Brigade Commander Andreas Nikolaou read the memorial speech. The funerals of those killed are held at public expense. [02] ATTORNEY GENERAL BLAST - INQUIRYThere is no doubt there are people responsible for the blast at the Naval Base Evaggelos Florakis on Monday, said the Republics Attorney General Petros Clerides. In statements he made to journalists at his office Clerides said the responsibility he feels towards the citizens of Cyprus for the tragedy which befell the country weighs heavy on his shoulders.The blast, he said, has not only resulted in casualties and financial destruction but has delivered a blow to the state itself. Addressing the media Clerides said you have an obligation to inform people, adding however that you should inform them correctly. There shouldnt be trials conducted by television stations or newspapers, he stressed. Clerides also called on anyone who has information pertaining to the destruction of documents or evidence to come forward and submit a formal complaint. He assured that such a complaint will be investigated quickly adding that no leniency will be shown if there is any intervention in the process of justice. He further expressed his certainty that inquiries will be conducted in a very careful manner and without much delay. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |