Kyprianou rejects ‘compromise’ claims over Savvides and Angelides appointments

Former Akel secretary-general Andros Kyprianou has rejected claims that he accepted a proposed compromise over the 2020 appointments of George Savvides and Savvas Angelides, dismissing assertions that the arrangement was suggested to block the appointment of former justice minister Ionas Nicolaou.

Speaking on CyBC radio on Wednesday, Kyprianou said reports linking him to such discussions were unfounded and questioned the basis of the claims.

Kyprianou responded directly to references made by Drousiotis regarding alleged coordination around key legal appointments, stating that “it is funny that Nikolatos’ name is involved in this story” and denying that former supreme court judge Myron Nikolatos ever proposed Savvides for the position of attorney-general.

He said their interactions were limited to formal and social settings, including meetings at the supreme court and a farewell dinner attended by Savvides, adding that “no one ever urged me to propose George Savvides”.

Kyprianou insisted that the decision over appointments rested solely with the president, rejecting suggestions that he had any determining role.

“I did not know that I had become president in 2020 and appointed the attorney-general and his deputy,” he retorted.

Addressing the broader allegations levied by Makarios Drousiotis, Kyprianou questioned their relevance, stating that “everyone should blame someone for the issues they are responsible for, not accuse them of things they have absolutely nothing to do with”.

He also expressed concern over the inclusion of Nikolatos in the claims, saying “we regret that they are implicating him in this way”.

The statements come as Drousiotis maintains that material he describes as part of the ‘Sandy’ archive contains evidence of coordination between political and administrative figures during critical periods surrounding the 2020 appointments.

According to Drousiotis, internal communications reference individuals connected to state institutions and political offices acting as intermediaries.

Among the material cited is an alleged message attributed to Greek deputy minister Giorgos Mylonakis stating “Anastasiades called, he’s going to appoint Savvides as General and Angelides as assistant. He’s going to appoint our people because of brotherhood”.

Drousiotis has presented the message as indicative of coordinated decision making within the legal service during the transition period.

He also referred to additional exchanges which he claims reflect discussions between legal and political figures prior to the appointments.

Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the material and have stated that no individual identified as ‘Sandy’ was employed by the presidential office, following internal checks.