Larnaca communities raise safety concerns over Kalo Chorio firing range

Larnaca, Cyprus. Representatives of communities near the Kalo Chorio firing range on Tuesday voiced concern over its continued operation, saying the safety of residents must be prioritised and was non-negotiable.

The meeting followed a fire last week at the site that spread to neighbouring villages.

Safety and environmental concerns

Community representatives discussed the safety of residents and their properties, as well as environmental protection.

They said the fire had left behind “many questions that the authorities must answer”, in addition to ashes and cinders.

Meetings with authorities

Tremithos community leader Stavroulla Vassiliou said representatives had received several promises from Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and National Guard chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou during a meeting held last week.

A second meeting with the defence minister has been scheduled for mid-September to determine how to proceed, she said, reiterating that resident safety must remain non-negotiable.

Vassiliou added that MPs were expected to register the matter in parliament, with communities awaiting the outcome.