President of the Republic Demetris Christofias has called an extraordinary Cabinet meeting on Thursday during which he will ask for the resignation of all his Ministers.

In a written statement Wednesday, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said the President will convene an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers on Thursday to ask all Ministers to tender in their resignations.

On Wednesday, two Ministers, belonging to the government coalition partner the Democratic Party (DIKO), Ministers of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides and Health Christos Patsalides, have handed in their resignations, following a party decision.

Last Friday DIKO President Marios Garoyian announced five steps to help the government make a new start, following the massive explosion at the “Evaggelos Florakis“ naval base which killed 13 persons.

The Democratic Party participates in the 11-member government of Demetris Christofias with three Ministers.

Foreign Minister Marcos Kyprianou, who also belongs to DIKO, did not send a letter of resignation as he resigned last week, following a massive explosion of munitions which killed 13 people and injured dozens, in addition to destroying the island’s biggest power plant. Kyprianou only serves as caretaker Minister until a successor is appointed.