Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has been accused of attempting to shift responsibility for Monday’s fire at the Kalo Chorio firing range from senior National Guard officials to the 70th Engineers Battalion.
The fire destroyed 1.2 square kilometres of land and led to evacuations in nearby villages.
Exercise allegations
Reports on Friday said the fire occurred during a joint National Guard and US forces exercise involving the destruction of ammunition. The reports also indicated that the foreign ministry had been involved and was aware of the exercise.
The defence ministry could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations.
Alma statement
Alma said Palmas had quickly attributed responsibility to the 70th Engineers Battalion, while information emerging indicated that the ammunition destruction was part of a planned exercise approved by the National Guard leadership with the relevant signatures.
“If this is confirmed, then the minister attempted to shift responsibility to lower-ranking officials, while he knew or should have known that the exercise had been approved by the highest military leadership,” the movement said.
Alma said that if Palmas had not known about the approval, it would show that he made public statements without first establishing the facts. It said that in either case, political responsibility was personal and that he should resign.
The movement said the foreign ministry also needed to provide answers and added that it had tabled the matter before the House defence committee.
Investigation under way
Earlier this week, Palmas ordered an investigation into the incident, with findings expected by the middle of next week. The investigation will examine whether disciplinary or criminal responsibilities arise.
It will also consider whether the exercise should have been permitted, given restrictions on certain activities at Kalo Chorio, and whether standard fire-prevention protocols were followed, including the digging of adequate trenches.
