Plenary session of 7 July 2022
Dear colleagues,
This year marks eleven years since the unspeakable tragedy of 11 July 2011 that shook Cyprus, when a devastating explosion occurred at the naval base "Evangelos Florakis" in Mari, where a cargo of ammunition was stored, which claimed the lives of thirteen heroes of the National Guard, the Fire Brigade and EMAK.
The Captain, the Commander, the NCOs, the National Guardsmen and the firemen, who were led to their deaths in peacetime due to tragic and unacceptable state omissions, served Cyprus and its people, guarding public safety and protection with a high sense of responsibility and professionalism.
As the House of Representatives, we express our wholehearted sympathy to the families of the bereaved men, who with altruism, heroism and self-denial defied mortal danger and honoured their uniform, rank and country, remaining dedicated to duty to the end. At the same time, we stress that collectively and in a coordinated manner, we must work hard for a favourable and proactive state, so that similar tragic incidents with a painful toll of unfortunate victims and material destruction are not repeated in the future.
Colleagues,
It is with sadness that we remember these days another tragedy that struck the National Guard on 10 July 2002, when, at dawn again, Cyprus woke up to the sound of the Bell-206 helicopter crashing in Kouklia, Paphos. As a result of the helicopter crash, the head of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis, the commander of the Air Force, Brigadier General Stylianos Demenagas, and Captain Paris Athanasiadis were tragically killed, Lieutenant Nicholas Georgiou and Lieutenant Michael Syakallis, who were travelling to the "Andreas Papandreou" airbase in Paphos, to observe a National Guard exercise.
Chief Evangelos Florakis and the four officers, upholding their oath to their country, as their conscience dictated, fell in the line of duty, causing shock, immense grief and pain. Their sacrifice and their selfless offer to their country make them a shining example of philanthropy and self-denial, as well as symbols of militancy and tireless commitment to national duty.
Interpreting the feelings of all, I call upon you to observe a one-minute silence in memory of our compatriots' heroes of the deadly explosion in Mari and the downing of the National Guard helicopter.
(One-minute silence)
Eternal memory!
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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