According to government sources, the National Geostrategic Council will be headed by University of Nicosia Rector and former diplomat Professor Michalis Attalides while the National Energy Council will be chaired by Dr Andreas Poullikkas, from the Cyprus University of Technology.

The sources said both councils will comprise of academics from various fields, as opposed to political appointees.

At the same time, however, the government asked for the input of the political parties in drawing up a list of potential academics to fill the new posts, from which the executive made its choices.

Initial rumours had suggested former Defence Minister Fotis Fotiou would be made head of the Geostrategic Council but it appears the negative press reports influenced the government’s decision in making non-political appointments to both councils.

The same sources confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that Fotiou will instead be appointed as Commissioner for overseas and religious groups’ affairs, a post previously taken up by Katie Clerides.

Source: Cyprus Mail