AKEL has launched a fierce attack on Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas over the wildfire sparked at the Kalo Chorio firing range, after it emerged that the ammunition disposal operation was part of a scheduled military exercise approved by the leadership of the National Guard.
The party said the development raised serious questions about the minister’s handling of the incident, accusing him of unfairly blaming the battalion that carried out the operation.
AKEL questions minister’s account
“The revelation that the ammunition disposal operation at the Kalo Chorio firing range, during which the Larnaca wildfire was caused, was part of a scheduled exercise approved by the National Guard leadership, and was even conducted in the presence of American military personnel, raises unavoidable questions,” AKEL said.
The party described Palmas as “irreparably exposed”, adding that he could not be shielded by what it called an attempt by the military leadership to defend him.
AKEL questioned whether the minister had been properly briefed before making public statements that placed responsibility on the battalion.
“Before making his grandiose statements two days ago and unfairly blaming the battalion, had Mr Palmas not spoken to the military leadership to be informed that the exercise had been approved by that same leadership?” the party asked.
Questions over approval of the exercise
AKEL also questioned whether Palmas had been aware of the exercise from the outset and whether he had misled the public in an attempt to protect himself and others.
The party called for clarification over who authorised the disposal of ammunition under weather conditions carrying an increased risk of fire.
According to AKEL, the minister’s priority following the damage suffered by the affected communities was not transparency, but protecting himself and the government.
It further accused Palmas of unfairly blaming the battalion and its commanding officers, despite their having acted on instructions.
AKEL concluded by calling on the Defence Minister “to recognise his responsibility and accept it” following the latest developments surrounding the Kalo Chorio firing range wildfire.
