Cyprus government to seek help in dealing with dumping of old ammunitions in sea

The Defence Ministry is on alert following confirmation that the National Guard was dumping old ammunition in the sea around Zygi village.

Defence Minister Photis Photiou told reporters on Saturday that president of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and the Cabinet were informed on the issue during the last cabinet meeting and decided to appoint experts who will evaluate the situation and make the necessary suggestions as to which action will be directly taken.

He also said the Ministry will contact Israeli and Greek authorities which have faced similar issues and will ask for their help while Photiou further said he will also speak with OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) officials on the matter.

The issue was revealed after the government received a request from the UN for information on the possible existence of chemical munitions and their possible dumping in the sea, with all the negative consequences that might have on the environment.

In turn, the ministry asked an update from the NG, which confirmed that from 1980 to 1993, munitions were dumped in the sea.

“It appears there is a large quantity of such munitions of various types, which were dumped in the wider region around Zygi,” said Photiou.

He assured the government “will do everything possible and necessary”, noting that this is a “sensitive issue which only came to our attention now”. The Minister underlined that “what matters above all is the safety of people, the dangers to the environment, and the possible impact on our energy plans.”