Fidias Panayiotou, leader of the Direct Democracy Movement, has announced that he will not attend Friday's meeting of the National Council, saying he does not have sufficient knowledge of the Cyprus problem.
In a video posted on social media, Panayiotou said the movement would instead be represented by economist and businessman Mike Spanos.
"I don't have the necessary knowledge"
The MEP and party leader said he believes the Cyprus issue is a critical national issue and that it would be more appropriate for someone with greater expertise to participate in the discussions.
He publicly acknowledged that he does not possess an in-depth understanding of the issue and therefore decided not to attend the National Council meeting himself.
Panayiotou also clarified that Spanos is not a member of the party, but rather a person whose views and expertise on economic matters and the Cyprus issue he respects.
The National Council meeting is taking place ahead of next week's visit to Cyprus by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
