The Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas, announced the start of the process for the closure of the Tseri Firing Range, noting that the countdown has already begun, without, however, specifying the exact timetable.
Speaking to RIK's "Morning Itinerary", Mr. Palmas stated that the decision concerns the Tseri Firing Range, while the picture for the Kalo Chorio Firing Range is currently different.
As he said, despite the fact that the main request of the residents of the area is the removal of the Kalo Chorio Firing Range, such a thing cannot be done at this stage.
The Minister of Defense also referred to the detection of two missiles at the Kalo Chorio Firing Range, during the operation to extinguish the fire in Agia Anna.
As he noted, it is normal for there to be concern among the citizens, however he expressed the opinion that in some cases the reactions are exaggerated, as it is not uncommon for shells that have not exploded to be detected in Firing Ranges.
He stressed, however, that the goal should be to eliminate such incidents and destroy the unexploded missiles after the completion of each exercise.
He also reminded that it is forbidden to enter the Shooting Ranges and noted that it has been decided to place a watchtower on a 24-hour basis at the Kalo Chorio Shooting Range.
The issue of the new Deputy Chief of the National Guard
Mr. Palmas also referred to the issue of the leadership of the National Guard, announcing that the issue of the new Deputy Chief will be put before the Council of Ministers on Saturday, August 29.
According to the Minister, the Council of Ministers will be called upon either to decide on the stay of the current Deputy Chief, Lieutenant General Neophytos Pachoulidis, or to choose one of the two Greek Cypriot major generals, Haris Georgiou and Andreas Charalambous.
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