Opposition calls for dismissal of Michael

AKEL, Diko and Edek have called for the replacement of Interior Ministry director Thanos Michael, questioning his ability to act as an impartial returning officer for next month’s presidential elections.

House President and Diko leader Spyros Kyprianou yesterday sent a letter to President Clerides outlining the opposition parties’ misgivings, and asking for Michael to be shown the door.

Eyebrows were raised late last year when Michael expressed support for departing Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides. Michaelides, a Diko minister, was forced to leave his post when his party decided to abandon the coalition with Disy which got Clerides elected president in 1993.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for Michaelides’ replacement, George Stavrinakis, Michael said he “could only hope” to see Michaelides back at his post soon.

There was no immediate response from the government to yesterday’s call for Michael to be replaced.

Last week, the chief of the intelligence services (Kyp), Nicos Ioannou, was forced to take leave from his post until after the elections after he caused a storm of protest by publicly assuring Clerides he would be re- elected.

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