-
.
- Русский
Plenary session of 6 July 2023
Dear colleagues and dear colleagues,
This year marks twelve years since the deadly explosion on 11 July 2011 of containers of explosives stored at the naval base "Evangelos Florakis" in Mari. Thirteen of our compatriots in uniform lost their lives in the line of duty, overwhelming us with grief and shock and leaving deep and indelible scars on our collective memory. The shock wave of the explosion also caused enormous damage to the Vasilikos power station, with serious consequences for the economy of our country.
The House of Representatives expresses its full sympathy to the relatives of the victims, whose self-sacrifice and self-denial are a shining example and a reminder that dedication to one's country and duty is a supreme timeless value. In recognition of their sacrifice, we pay due tribute and express our gratitude and respect, keeping their memory alive.
As a state, we must not allow similar tragic incidents to be repeated, always taking care of the safety and life of citizens, having a duty to protect the public interest and performing our duty with dedication and diligence.
Ladies and gentlemen,
These days are difficult for yet another painful reason, as another tragedy this time struck the National Guard on 10 July 2002, with the fatal crash of the Bell-206 helicopter in Kouklia, Paphos.
The death of the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis, the Commander of the Air Force, Brigadier General Stylianos Demenagas, Captain Paris Athanasiadis, Lieutenant Nikolaos Georgiou and Lieutenant Michalis Siakalis, who were travelling to the "Andreas Papandreou" airbase in Paphos to attend a National Guard exercise, caused shock and immense sadness in Cyprus and Greece.
The five elite military officers served their country with unabashed patriotism and dedication. Their loss in the tragic accident was a huge loss, depriving our country of their invaluable service. The sacrifice of our immortal heroes on the altar of national duty remains in the collective memory and is a beacon in the critical moments our country is going through.
Colleagues and colleagues,
The sudden death of the euphonious George Hatzionas, who lost consciousness during a training activity, which took place within the framework of the summer training of the Military School of Evelides, at the Unorthodox Warfare Training Centre in Lentina, has brought deep sorrow to the whole of Cyprus.
Last Monday the army and the state, family and friends paid their last respects to the unfortunate young man, the Evelpin who left before he could see Lysi, his homeland, free.
As the House of Representatives, interpreting the feelings of the Cypriot people, we express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of our hopeful, as well as our sympathy to the families of the victims of the explosion in Mari and the crash of the National Guard helicopter, confirming that their selfless work and sacrifice are symbols of patriotism, militancy, courage and unparalleled dedication to the nation, which will inspire us.
Please rise now to observe a minute's silence in their memory.
(One-minute silence)
Eternal memory!
(Text as sent from the House of Representatives)
(OP/SX)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
