Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT - MESSAGE - BLAST

[02] VICTIMS - FUNERALS

[03] MINISTER - BLAST - PUBLIC HEALTH

[04] ISRAEL - GENERATOS

[01] PRESIDENT - MESSAGE - BLAST

The Committee will be headed by lawyer Polis Polyviou and it will be charged with the task of investigating the causes of the incident, pointing to those who should be held accountable for the explosion.

After conveying his personal and the government`s condolences to family members and relatives of the twelve blast victims, President Christofias assured that those who are responsible will be held accountable, ``from the lowest to the highest level``, and called the public to remain ``calm and sober``.

President Christofias began his address, by saying that he was speaking to the people, during difficult times, while the victims of the Naval Base tragedy were still being buried.

``It is the demand of all of us to fully investigate the circumstances and the causes of this tragedy``, the President noted.

Announcing Polyviou`s appointment, President Christofias underlined that his task will be to ``quickly and swiftly investigate every single aspect`` of the deadly blast.

He also noted that the Police will be investigating potential criminal responsibilities, under the supervision of the Attorney General of the Republic.

A full investigation, he continued, will reinstate the public`s confidence towards the state and its institutions, which suffered a blow.

President Christofias called for collective work by all involved, by showing confidence towards state institutions.

Moreover, the President was critical in his address towards a small group of ``nationalists and ultra-rightists``, who undermined recent peaceful demonstrations of people, held outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, by trying to ``take advantage of human suffering`` and ``venturing to set the Presidential Palace aflame``.

Saying that such incidents are reminiscent of the 1974 events outside the Presidential Palace, during the coup and the Turkish invasion and occupation, the President added that the consolidation of order is a collective responsibility.

Continuing his address, President Christofias noted that the government has already asked for help from the EU, in the framework of member states` display of solidarity, to address needs after the blast. He added that government services are already working in order to repair damages.

Moreover, the President said that he understands people`s anger and grief and added that all should remain calm and try to look ahead, to the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations and the Presidency of the EU Council, in the second half of 2012.

``The Cyprus negotiations and the EU Presidency are not an alibi for the situation in front of us and the ensuing responsibilities`` the President noted.

President Christofias concluded his televised address by saying that the government will continue its efforts concerning all aspects of the state`s administration and will wait for the results of the investigation before referring again to the people.

[02] VICTIMS - FUNERALS

The funeral of the twin brothers Miltos and Christos Christoforou who were serving at the National Guard took place at the Ayia Triada Church in Limassol at public expense.

Minister of Interior Neoklis Sylikiotis laid a wreath on behalf of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias. Party leaders or representatives, MPs, members of the Local Administration and Church of Cyprus representatives also attended the funeral.

The funeral of Sergeant Andreas Papadopoulos of the Special Unit of the Firefighting Service dealing with catastrophes (EMAK) took also place Thursday morning in Ayios Savvas Church at Livadia village in the District of Larnaca.

Papadopoulos coffin was brought in the church amidst extended applause, under the sound of somber music by the Police Philharmonic and in the presence of EMAK contingents.

[03] MINISTER - BLAST - PUBLIC HEALTH

In statements at the Presidential Palace, following the meeting of the Ministerial Council, Patsalides said that since the first day of the explosion, officials of health services and state Laboratory took samples from the area which are being examined.

He also said that control of air quality in the region has been conducted to check the air quality by the Department of Labour inspection, noting that so far noting emerged that could cause more concern.

He added that the Food Safety Council took the decision yesterday to take some precautionary measures.

[04] ISRAEL - GENERATOS

Present at the port were Cyprus` Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Israeli Ambassador in Nicosia and Israeli technicians.

The generators are of a total capacity of 10 MW and are expected to be installed in industrial units on Thursday to address problems caused by the explosion of munitions at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Bases, the shock wave of which destroyed the island`s major power plant.

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