President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris announced on Tuesday his abstention from his duties, publicly apologizing for the unpleasant image he conveyed to the people of Cyprus, among others, and the upheaval he has caused.                                                       

In a written statement, Syllouris says that as of October 19, 2020, he will be abstaining from his duties, until investigations are completed regarding an Al Jazeera report implicating him, along with another MP, in a passport scandal linked to the Cyprus Investment Programme.

Syllouris apologizes for allowing his image and thus the institution of the President of the Parliament to be marred.

He noted that when investigations are wrapped up he would be announcing his decision, irrespective of the outcome.

Syllouris also called on all authorities involved to expedite procedures and has placed himself at the disposal of the authorities for any assistance they may need in their investigations.

Political parties have already called for his resignation following the reports.