Cypriot defense minister resigns after blast kills 12
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Dozens of containers of gunpowder seized years ago from an Iranian cargo ship exploded on Cyprus' main naval base Monday in a massive blast that killed 12 people, wounded 62 and wrecked a major power station, causing extensive blackouts.
The head of the island nation's navy, Commodore Andreas loannides, was killed and its defense minister and military chief resigned. Ioannides' son claimed top officials had repeatedly ignored his father's warnings that the gunpowder was stored unsafely. Defense ministry officials would not comment on the allegation. (AP)
