President of the Republic, Demetris Christofias stated today that he is shocked by the tragedy at the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari, stressing that this is one more “black” day of July.

The President, accompanied by Government Spokesman, Stephanos Stephanou, went to the Naval Base at 10.30 am, where he was informed about the explosion.

In his statements to the journalists, Mr. Christofias said that the Council of Ministers will hold a meeting at 12.30 pm “to examine the facts, while an announcement will be issued by the Government Spokesman”. “This is one more “black” day of July for the Republic and its people. We were shocked by the fact, not for the damages but for the loss of human lives and the injuries. In would like to express my sympathy and condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives on duty. Damages are repaired but lives do not come back”, he stated.

On the question about the number of victims, the President said this should be left to others after proceeding with the necessary investigations and drawing the proper conclusions. I cannot rush to give numbers neither for the victims nor for the injured”, the President noted.

Invited to state what the condition in the Base is, Mr. Christofias said that it is a “picture of biblical catastrophe”.