**Akel Calls for Review of Liopetri Military Camp Over Safety Concerns**
Akel Famagusta has formally requested Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas to reassess the location of the “Modestos Panteli” military camp in Liopetri, citing persistent safety concerns from local residents regarding its proximity to residential areas and a primary school. The call for action was articulated in a letter sent to the minister, highlighting what the party describes as “reasonable concerns” from the community.
Established around 1980, the military camp occupies land that was formerly a community football ground. While the primary school in the area predates the camp, the subsequent residential development has transformed Liopetri into a densely populated neighborhood. As a result, the military installation is now situated “at the center of a fully developed residential zone,” raising alarms among residents.
Christos Nicolaou, head of Akel’s Famagusta branch, expressed his disbelief at the camp’s location, stating, “It is unheard of for a military camp to be in the middle of a village, never mind next to a school.” He emphasized that while he does not expect the Defence Ministry to disclose the specifics of what is stored at the facility, he is concerned about the potential implications if the camp’s operational status were to change. Nicolaou pointed out the unsettling image of armed soldiers being present while children play nearby.
In response to the concerns raised, a spokesman for the Defence Ministry acknowledged that the issue had been addressed previously, noting that actions had been taken to remove any dangerous equipment from the premises. He stated that a response to Akel’s letter would be forthcoming, and further statements would follow.
The letter from Akel also pointed out that military storage facilities are located around the perimeter of the primary school, which has intensified worries among parents and local residents. The party has called for greater transparency regarding the use of these facilities and the safety measures implemented to protect both the schoolchildren and the surrounding community.
Akel clarified that their position is not an indictment of the National Guard or its role in national defense, but rather a concern about the appropriateness of maintaining the military camp in its current location given the evolving urban landscape. They argue that the critical issue is not whether an incident has occurred in the past, but whether it is safe to have a military installation adjacent to a school and residential area in contemporary times.
The letter concluded with a strong assertion that “the protection of human life and the safety of citizens, particularly children attending the neighboring primary school, must be the highest priority and cannot be addressed only after an accident has occurred.”
As the situation develops, the local community and parents of schoolchildren will be watching closely for the Defence Ministry's response and any potential actions that may arise from Akel's intervention.