The Cyprus Integrity Forum (CIF), as an independent non-governmental organization whose primary mission is the protection and oversight of the integrity of the institutions of the Republic of Cyprus, is following with particular concern the developments of recent days following the publication of the contentious audiovisual material.
The credibility and standing of state officials of the Republic of Cyprus constitute a fundamental prerequisite for the country’s institutional stability, as well as for the successful and substantive exercise of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In this context, the factor of time becomes extremely critical.
CIF considers it to be a step in the right direction for the competent authorities of the Republic, which have undertaken the investigation of this specific case, to conclude their inquiries and make their findings public as soon as possible. The objective is to prevent the entrenchment of arbitrary or erroneous conclusions, both in the minds of Cypriot citizens and within European public opinion.
At the same time, it is our position that the Independent Authority Against Corruption must make full use of the powers granted to it by its founding legislation and proceed, ex officio and with determination, to conduct its own investigation. Such an action would tangibly reinforce the Authority’s independence and contribute meaningfully to the overall effort to fully elucidate the case.
Restoring the sense of justice, both among Cypriot and European citizens, is absolutely necessary and inextricably linked to safeguarding the rule of law and the institutional credibility of the country. For this reason, we expect all competent bodies to act immediately, with seriousness, transparency, and professionalism, in line with the weight of their institutional responsibility.