The President of the Republic of Cyprus received the ATF Unit

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, today received the members of the United States (US) Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Unit, at the Presidential Palace.

Welcoming the team, President Christodoulides said, inter alia: “Let me, first of all, thank the US government for immediately and positively reacting to our request to help us with the recent wildfires in Lemesos.

I consider this a common challenge. We all see what is going on, especially in Southern Europe. And the situation will get worse and worse, so we need to be ready, and we are always very glad to work with the US Government.

As soon as I assumed my duties, [we collaborated] with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to help us face another challenge. We are very glad that we have this cooperation at all levels – political security, economic trade – and we will continue working to enhance our cooperation. We are ready to listen, to see your presentation, and also to see the way forward. This is the most important thing, in order to be in a position to face these kinds of challenges that, as I told you before, will continue”.

Speaking on behalf of the ATF Unit, the Head of the team said: “Our partnership with your law enforcement and fire brigade officials has been just great. They have assisted us in every facet of our investigation, so I would like to thank them publicly. And I look forward to giving you our official calls and origin of this wildfire – it will hopefully be eye-opening – and the next phase of strategies that will be involved in remaining wildfire and other fires in your country”.

President Christodoulides said that he would share with them the next steps that the government would take for addressing these situations.

(RM/IA/LY)

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