Cyprus military training grounds under scrutiny by parliament. Residents demand answers.

Today, Thursday, October 8, the Parliamentary Defense Committee is scheduled to revisit the operation of the Tseri and Kalo Chorio training grounds in the Larnaca district. Members of Parliament will discuss the security of their operations and the expectations of residents of neighboring towns. The Minister of Defense and the Commander of the National Guard, among others, have been invited to participate in the meeting.

In the case of Tseri, the decision to remove the training ground from its current location has already been made, but the local government is awaiting a specific timeline. The situation in Kalo Chorio is different: the Ministry of Defense and the military command reject its relocation. Residents' concerns have intensified following a summer fire that broke out during the destruction of ammunition and threatened nearby homes.

Tseri is waiting for a closing date

The Lakatamia–Tseri local government wants to know when the military training ground will be finally removed from its current location. They emphasize that conditions in the surrounding area have changed since the facility was built.

Initially, it was an agricultural area, far from buildings. However, the development of Tseri has meant that military exercises and shootings now take place in the immediate vicinity of homes and settlements.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of Defense, the local government indicates that maintaining the military training ground at this location no longer serves the public interest. It highlights the concerns of residents and the need to adapt military operations to the current development and security requirements.

In August, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas told RIK radio that the countdown to the closure of the Tseri military training ground had begun. However, he did not provide a specific date. Translating this declaration into a concrete timetable is one of the local government's most important expectations.

Kalo Chorio remains an important military facility

The Kalo Chorio training ground is the largest facility of its kind in Cyprus. It is used for heavy weapons training and for the destruction of obsolete ammunition.

Neighboring towns have repeatedly requested its relocation. However, the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard have rejected this possibility.

Before today's meeting, representatives of the surrounding communities met to agree on common demands and issues they intend to present to the committee. The discussion will focus on the facility's operational principles and the protection of residents.

The fire has once again raised questions about safety.

One of the most important points of discussion is the procedures used for the destruction of ammunition. The summer fire at Kalo Chorio broke out after detonations were carried out during a period of high temperatures and increased fire risk.

The fire spread beyond the military area and threatened homes in nearby towns. The incident raised renewed questions about the timing of such work, risk assessment, and securing the area to prevent fire spread.

A fire related to the destruction of ammunition took place July 27August, however, was a period of further action and arrangements regarding this event - these dates should not be confused. Cyprus Mail

Two polygons, two different situations

Today's agenda covers two separate topics. The primary focus in Tseri is implementing the decision to remove the military training ground and setting a deadline for ceasing operations at its current location.

In Kalo Chorio, residents are awaiting security answers as the military maintains its stance against relocating the facility.

The committee's consideration of the matter does not mean the closure of any training ground. The announced discussion is intended to allow members of parliament to obtain clarification from the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard, and to hear the concerns of local communities.

Sources: Politis, Philenews, Cyprus Mail.