Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 11-08-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] HOUSE COMMITTEE MARI BLAST - REPORT

[02] GOVERNMENT AUSTERITY MEASURES

[03] LIBYAN EMBASSY - NTC

[01] HOUSE COMMITTEE MARI BLAST - REPORT

Speaking here Sunday, Varnava said that the report will also be submitted to the Plenary of the House of Representatives at its next session on September 15, 2011.

Varnava noted that the report does not include criminal responsibilities for the incident. At the same time, in the conclusions, one can distinguish the political responsibilities, which are allocated. Surely, apart from the conclusions, the Committee states in the report its own positions and views regarding the tragic incident, he said.

Replying to a question, Varnava said that the report was adopted by all political parties except ruling left wing AKEL, which submitted its position that the report should not be adopted.

As regards the public hearings that begin on Monday before the single-member inquiry committee, headed by lawyer Polis Polyviou, Varnava said that the House Committee expects that all persons involved in the deadly blast, will testify before the inquiry committee.

On the other hand, he pointed out, the Defence Parliamentary Committee expects that in the conclusions of the inquiry committee of Polis Polyviou, all political responsibilities will be allocated.

Asked if the testimony of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias before the inquiry committee should be broadcast live, Varnava said that this is something that it is not up to the House Committee to decide.

Thirteen people were killed by a huge blast, following a massive explosion at the Naval Base Evagelos Florakis.

The blast caused extensive damages to nearby Vassiliko power plant, leading to power shortages all over Cyprus. Communities in close proximity where also hit, while Mari village suffered most of the damage.

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

Following the incident, the government appointed a single-member inquiry committee, to investigate events which led to the deadly explosion.

[02] GOVERNMENT AUSTERITY MEASURES

In a written statement, Stephanou notes that the government also expresses satisfaction for the good sense and consensus that prevailed, despite the many discussions and the debates that were preceded.

The government always underlines the great need for social dialogue in formulating the package of austerity measures. The social dialogue is a factor of stability and indicates responsibility. Throughout the years it has proved to be a factor of social stability and peace, as well as a factor of growth and progress, Stephanou points out.

At the same time, Stephanou states that the government is determined to proceed with a second package of austerity measures aiming at fiscal consolidation. The House of Representatives, political parties, trade unions and the public opinion have already been informed by the Finance Minister on the outline of the second package, he says.

[03] LIBYAN EMBASSY - NTC

We also declare our joining 17th February revolution, aimed at the aspirations and hopes of our people for a free and dignified life in a free democratic system of justice and equality, says a press release, issued by the Embassy of Libya in Nicosia, on Sunday.

We are at the disposal of the Transitional Council, the press release concludes.

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