Politics Blog: Leaders, Avvakoum, USA and the Cyprus Air Force

''The country needs a leader'', exclaimed Averof Neofytou, reminding us of the infamous slogan by Nikaros that the crisis needed a leader. He went on to say that we don’t need an indifferent commentator and a media attention seeker. Ouch. As you can see, diplomatic niceties have been set aside, and the blows are now aimed directly at the core.

Annita is watching the situation with some unease. On the one hand, every attack that wears down the young Nikos is welcome. On the other, it’s quite something that our 'Foulis' (Averof) is issuing statements left and right (from the Political Office, mind you) as if operating completely independently from DISY. One could almost call it a state within a state.

I could expect anything from this golden-green leaf, but participating in an intergovernmental exercise of flying assets—note the emphasis on flying— with the Americans was beyond even my wildest dreams. Now, what exactly do we contribute to this exercise in terms of flying assets, I couldn’t say. Presumably, it was with our latest generation warplanes. However, a friend cynically commented, “The Americans brought the warplanes and pilots, and we provided the flight attendants.”

Meanwhile, the Defense Minister clarified that despite our leading role in the region (!!!), no military operations will be conducted from Cyprus! So, we won’t be invading anywhere, and the region can sleep peacefully.

The lawyers for the monks of the Avvakoum Monastery argue that Father Barnabas, who made the initial complaints against their clients, is an unreliable witness and they have presented various pieces of evidence to prove this. I’m not sure how unreliable Father Barnabas may be, but I’ve formed a pretty solid opinion about the reliability of those now accusing him. Lord, guard my tongue. And bless you.

The ecclesiastical aspect of the case seems to be nearing its end—at least the end of the first act, since a second act in the near future cannot be ruled out—as penalties are expected by August 30. These will likely be dismissals for the three troublesome monks. Appeals might follow, and there will certainly be developments regarding potential criminal offenses.

And to wrap up today’s column with some news, know that once the Abakum case concludes, there is a strong likelihood of a new church scandal erupting. For now, it is being kept out of the limelight with all possible efforts.

[This opinion piece was translated from its Greek original]