The internal disciplinary report into the disappearance of 13.6 kilograms of explosives from a military firing range has been completed and is expected to reach Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas by Friday morning.
Speaking on Wednesday after the Cabinet meeting, the minister reiterated that “from the moment explosives went missing, we bear responsibility.” He confirmed that the officer who conducted the investigation submitted the report within the required 15-day period to another senior officer, as he himself has since retired.
The senior officer who received the findings requested one to two days to review the document before briefing the minister.
“As a result, I expect to have it in my hands on Friday morning. I will study it and, of course, take a position on the findings,” Palmas said.
Disciplinary and criminal responsibilities
Responding to questions, the minister clarified that disciplinary penalties fall under the authority of the Chief of the National Guard. He stated that the investigation records specific responsibilities.
“For the explosives to disappear, clearly some individuals bear responsibility, but I cannot go into details,” he said.
Criminal liability, including determining who removed or stole the explosives, is being investigated separately by the Police.
Asked whether the absence of reference to criminal responsibility in the disciplinary report suggests there was no involvement by National Guard personnel in the removal of the explosives, the minister declined to comment before reviewing the document in full.
Palmas also confirmed that the report has not yet been handed over to the Police, as he has not reviewed it personally. Once examined, it will be formally transmitted to assist law enforcement authorities in their investigation.
“The report will be officially given to the Police so they can study it and draw their own conclusions to support their work,” he said.
No procedural gap, Minister says
Addressing questions over why the probe was assigned to an officer who was nearing retirement, Palmas dismissed concerns of any procedural gap.
He noted that annual evaluations and reshuffles within the National Guard take place around this time of year. The incident occurred 15 to 20 days ago, and at that stage it was not predetermined that the specific senior officer would retire, as the Promotions Council had yet to convene and assess the situation.
Source: CNA