**Title: State Cannot Afford Negligence or Forgetfulness, Spokesman Says at Mari Memorial**
On Sunday, Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis delivered a poignant address during the annual memorial service honoring the 13 victims of the 2011 Mari explosion, emphasizing the importance of accountability and remembrance in the face of tragedy. The service, held at the Sfalangiotissa cemetery, specifically commemorated naval commander Andreas Ioannides and staff sergeant Cleanthis Cleanthous, who were among those who lost their lives in the devastating incident.
Letymbiotis underscored that the state has “no right to negligence or delay,” asserting that the deaths of the 13 individuals should serve as a constant reminder of the responsibilities held by the government. He reflected on the lasting impact of the tragedy, which occurred on July 11, 2011, when a stockpile of ammunition and military explosives, improperly stored at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base, detonated, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 62 others.
“The state has no right to negligence. It has no right to delay. It has no right to remember its responsibilities only after lives have been lost,” Letymbiotis stated. He emphasized that honoring the memory of those who perished requires a commitment to safeguarding the living and learning from past mistakes, advocating for institutional changes that would prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The spokesman highlighted that some scars from such events never fade, and it is the duty of Cyprus to preserve the memory of the victims. “A country like ours cannot afford forgetfulness,” he remarked, linking the necessity of remembrance to broader national challenges. He pointed out that Cyprus continues to grapple with the consequences of the 1974 Turkish invasion and the ongoing division of the island, all while navigating an increasingly unstable regional landscape.
Letymbiotis articulated that in this context, security is not merely an abstract concept but a national imperative. “It is a daily mission and a prerequisite for our survival and future,” he said, stressing the need for enhanced defense capabilities and robust public institutions. He framed this as an obligation to those who serve the Republic and its people, reiterating that the memory of the Mari explosion victims should inspire future generations.
Following the memorial service, a trisagion, or hymn, was held at the graves of Ioannides and Cleanthous. The ceremony included the laying of wreaths by representatives from the government, the church, political parties, and the families of the victims, underscoring the collective remembrance of this tragic event.
The Mari explosion remains a significant chapter in Cyprus's history, serving as a stark reminder of the critical need for proper safety measures and accountability in the management of military resources. As the nation reflects on the past, Letymbiotis's words resonate with a call for vigilance and responsibility to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.