In Lebanon, 14 people were killed and over 450 were injured due to recent explosions. The latest blasts occurred near a Hezbollah-organized funeral for victims from the previous day. The explosions caused significant damage, with the Red Cross responding with 30 ambulances throughout various areas. Unexploded devices were seen being handled by Hezbollah members.
George Kaliniku comments on the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss Odysseas Michailidis, the General Auditor of Cyprus, calling it a dark day for the country. He states that the decision allows corrupt individuals to act freely and damages citizens' trust in the judiciary. Furthermore, he emphasizes the need for reforms to regain that trust. All of this raises concern and anger among the citizens.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah's walkie-talkies exploded, resulting in three deaths and hundreds of injuries. The explosions occurred in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas during funerals. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation and condemned the violation of international humanitarian law. The situation in the region remains tense.
The proceedings regarding the suspension of Odysseas Michailidis at the Supreme Court were tense, with a significant police presence suggesting potential unrest. The General Auditor appeared anxious as the decision was being read, with numerous serious charges against him. Initially, it seemed the decision would not be negative for Michailidis, but the atmosphere shifted as the judges began to list the charges. The mood in the courtroom was heavy, causing onlookers to quietly express their concerns.
Anita Dimitriou, the acting President, signed the dismissal of Odysseas Michailidis. The dismissal followed a decision from the Supreme Constitutional Court, and the letter was later delivered to Michailidis. Before leaving, he said goodbye to his colleagues at the Audit Office. The decision is binding for the President of the Republic.
The Supreme Court's decision to suspend Odysseas Michailidis has sparked anger and reactions in society. Many citizens condemn the decision, expressing fears of increasing corruption and the power of a shadow state. This reaction is accompanied by supportive comments for Mr. Michailidis and emphasizes the need for changes in Cyprus's leadership. The political climate resembles that of Venezuela according to some citizens.
Following the Supreme Court's decision, Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis is required to leave his position. The President of the Republic will need to officially validate the decision upon his return from Athens. There are also discussions regarding Michailidis's potential appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. His legal advisors are examining the possibility of this appeal based on alleged human rights violations.
Odysseas Michailidis expresses his disappointment regarding the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss him from his position. He thanks the public for their support and refers to comments he received about his situation. He believed that Cyprus would not end up like Venezuela. He emphasizes that power lies with the people, not those who think they can control everything.
The Supreme Court ruled the behavior of the General Auditor inappropriate, resulting in the suspension of Odysseas Michailidis. There is interest in gauging public opinion on this decision. The survey will explore whether citizens agree or disagree and how they view the President's responsibility. The results of the survey will be announced on September 20th.
Odysseas Michailidis left the door open for his involvement in politics following the Supreme Court's decision to suspend him from his duties. In his statements, he emphasized that he will continue his fight against corruption, now that he is free to address these issues without constraints. He expressed his obligation to serve his country, noting that this does not necessarily mean political involvement but an engagement with public affairs. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of collective mobilization against the phenomenon of corruption.
The Greek government expresses its dissatisfaction with the decision of the Cypriot cabinet regarding the electrical interconnection. It believes the decision is incomplete and non-binding, increasing concerns about the project's future. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will meet with President Christodoulides, where this issue will take center stage. Government sources consider the situation very negative for the upcoming collaboration.
Three fans of AEL were arrested due to incidents at the stadium before the derby with Apollon. Although they held tickets, they entered the stadium without scanning them, amid chaos caused by organized fans. The court has ordered their detention for four days. An additional 21 testimonies and two investigations are expected regarding the incident.
After the announcement of the Supreme Court's decision, Odysseas Michailidis' daughter and the auditors burst into tears. Odysseas comforted them, expressing his feelings and love. The atmosphere was tense, as everyone appeared disappointed. The Attorney General left the courtroom without making any statements.
The Supreme Constitutional Court unanimously decided to dismiss the General Auditor Odysseas Michailidis. The decision is binding for the President of the Republic and is based on findings that the General Auditor violated boundaries and exhibited inappropriate behavior. The justices stated that his conduct was below the circumstances. The decision spans 209 pages.
Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis discussed the next steps of the Government regarding the Audit Office. The President will soon make decisions about the process. The government will continue with the modernization of the service, despite the court's decision. There are no deadlocks in the Cypriot constitution.
In Cyprus, a doctor working with the public health insurance system has been linked to a network issuing fake prescriptions for medications in Greece. He is alleged to be the mastermind behind illegal activities, including prescribing narcotics and other controlled substances. Cypriot authorities responded to reports and are investigating the doctor's prescriptions. The Greek police have arrested four doctors, and the situation necessitates further investigation into possible activities in Cyprus.
Cyprus has taken on the portfolio of 'Fisheries and Oceans' in the European Union, with Kostas Kadis responsible for promoting sustainability and competitiveness in the fishing sector. This portfolio is deemed important for strengthening European fishing policy and managing marine resources. Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the goal is to protect Europe's food sovereignty. The unique position of Cyprus as an island country also plays a crucial role in assuming this responsibility.
The monks of the Monastery of Saint Abbacum have been expelled from their community due to scandals and the loss of trust from the Bishop of Tamassos. While there is a possibility they could be accepted into another bishopric, they are currently considered inactive. The Church aims to establish new criteria for monks to restore the trust of the faithful. The monastery will open for visits, with periodic divine services conducted by priests from the area.
The government is implementing significant legislative changes to combat violence in stadiums, primarily through the introduction of alcohol and drug tests. The police stated they could not control the crowd of fans who possessed dangerous items. Two important bills are under review and discussion, which include regulations for fan groups and their screening before entering sports venues.
AKEL aims to make a strong comeback in the political scene of Cyprus with a new campaign focused on the Cyprus issue and the economy. It is initiating dialogue with local administration entities and planning a conference on the current state of the Cyprus problem. The Secretary-General of AKEL will partake in significant international meetings, seeking solutions and collaborations. This initiative underscores the party's commitment to active engagement and proposals for the community.
The conflict between the Attorney General and the Auditor General has reached a critical point with the decision of the Supreme Constitutional Court. This ruling will determine whether Odysseas Michailidis will remain in his position. Legal circles emphasize that the consequences of the decision will be significant and a variety of reactions are expected. Different interpretations of the ruling are anticipated, regardless of its final outcome.
The Cabinet in Cyprus has decided to move forward with the electric interconnection project between Cyprus and Crete, as all legal obstacles have been overcome. The Regulatory Authority for Energy in Cyprus will approve the necessary changes to expedite the process. The company Nexans is expected to receive the final order for the project valued at 1.4 billion euros. Authorities have also agreed to reduce costs for consumers in Cyprus if the final expenses exceed 1.94 billion euros.