Cyprus Cabinet Resigns Over Deadly Blast

Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias (R) announced a government reshuffle on 28 July in response to an energy crisis caused by an explosion that hit the country`s main power station. Photo by BGNES

Cyprus's cabinet tendered its resignation Thursday amid extraordinary political and public pressure.

The government faced scathing criticism after it emerged that the massive munitions blast earlier this month could force the island into asking for an EU bailout.

President Demetris Christofias asked for the resignations at a session of cabinet, according to an announcement of government spokesperson Stefanos Stefanou as cited by euractiv.com

The 11 ministers will continue to perform their duties until a new Cabinet is appointed, which is expected to happen in the next few days.

At the end of last week, the Cyprus government and opposition parties reached an agreement on an austerity package aimed at resolving an economic crisis in the aftermath of a destructive blast on July 11.

The package provided for public spending cuts and the privatization of the stock exchange.

The July 11 blast left 13 people killed and about 30 injured.

The island's largest power station was damaged, resulting in widespread power cuts.

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