According to the Ministry, the limestone quarries in the area, located within the British bases, have been serving since 1990 the needs of aggregate quarries in the eastern province of Larnaca and the free region of Famagusta and are regularly supervised by the competent authorities of the Republic in the Administration of the British bases.
It is added that the quarries operate in accordance with the approved management environmental studies and the terms of their permits.
It is also mentioned that the operation of the quarries serves the well-understood interests of the Republic of Cyprus, since they can, in the midst of the economic crisis, supply the construction industry of the region with low-cost raw materials.
"The fact that the licenses of the quarries expired on December 31, 2011 does not make it illegal to continue the supply of raw materials that were legally produced during the validity of their licenses", it is added.
Finally, it is reported that the issue of possible renewal or extension of licenses is being studied by the Ministry of Agriculture and the relevant Departments, in collaboration with the British Base Authorities, taking into account the positions of the Local Government.
Today's announcement of the Ministry:
"The limestone quarries of the Xylofagos area, which are located within the British bases, have been serving since 1990 the needs of the aggregate quarry demand of the eastern province of Larnaca and the free area of Famagusta.
The quarries are regularly supervised by the competent authorities of the Republic in cooperation with the Administration of the British bases and operate in accordance with the approved management environmental studies and the terms of their permits.
The operation of the quarries serves the well-understood interests of the Republic of Cyprus since they can, in the midst of the economic crisis, supply the construction industry of the region with low-cost raw materials.
The fact that the licenses of the quarries have expired on 31/12/2011 does not make it illegal to continue the supply of raw materials that were legally produced during the validity of their licenses.
The whole issue for the possible renewal or extension of these permits is being studied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment and the competent Departments in cooperation with the Authorities of the British bases, taking into account the positions of the Local Government. "
Source: SotiraNews.com/Cyprus News Agency