Ministers on Fires: Need to Identify and Address Weaknesses

The need to identify and address weaknesses in fire management was emphasized by the four Ministers at the joint session of the Parliamentary Committees on Interior, Agriculture, and Environment regarding the July fires in Limassol.

Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, expressed condolences and thanked the first responders, noting that addressing weaknesses is required for an effective response.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, stated that despite improvements, the desired response was not achieved, and they are proceeding with experts. 96.11% of private land and 3.89% of Turkish Cypriot-owned land has been burned.

Minister of Justice and Public Order, Marios Hartsiotis, mentioned an increase in Fire Service personnel and the level of surveillance of the territory.

Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, referred to the subordination of aircraft to the National Guard.

A common finding was the need for self-criticism and improvement of readiness.