New defence minister appointed

President Nicos Anstasiades has appointed Christoforos Fokaides as new defence minister, it was announced on Thursday.

Fokaides, 40, replaces Tasos Mitsopoulos who died on March 22 after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm.

The affirmation ceremony will be held on Monday.

A member of ruling DISY, Fokaides studied economics and political science. He lectured politics at the European University of Cyprus.