President of the Republic Demetris Christofias appeared on Monday before a Commission of Inquiry, set up by the Cabinet, to look into the circumstances that have led to a massive explosion at a naval base, which killed 13 people and injured dozens.
This is the fifth day of the Commission’s public hearings concerning the deadly blast at the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base, near Limassol.
Following the blast, on July 11, the government appointed a commission of inquiry, headed by lawyer Polis Polyviou, to investigate the circumstances that led to the massive explosion of munitions, which killed 13 people and destroyed the island’s main power station. The commission will also look into possible political responsibilities.
The blast occurred in containers full of munitions, which Cyprus stored at the naval base, after confiscating the load from “Monchegorsk”, a vessel sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009. Cyprus was acting according to UN Security Council resolutions, imposing sanctions on Iran.
Head of the commission of inquiry Polys Polyviou has stated that the report of the commission will be concluded by September 30, and according to a recent decision by the Cabinet, it will become public.
Polyviou has said that that President Christofias might be asked to answer specific questions by the commission. Several government and army officials have also been called to testify.
“The President himself has told me to investigate everyone, including himself, and I believe it is an honour for the Republic that the first citizen of the country is asked questions that fall within the framework of the mandate set by the Cabinet and the President”, Polyviou pointed out.
He has however emphasized that the commission is not a court of justice, clarifying that he will attribute political responsibilities which have led to the tragedy.
“I am determined to prepare a report which will apportion responsibilities where those exist, without fear, without passion and without prejudice. This is my commitment, this is what I have told the President of the Republic, the President of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General and the relatives of the victims”, Polyviou said.
(source: cna)
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