The three-member committee appointed to examine the recalls process for cars imported from the EU and third countries will hear its first testimonies next week, it announced on Tuesday.

The committee was appointed by Attorney-General George Savvides to investigate both the import and any recalls of the cars.

The committee was named last week as former judge of the Supreme Court Michalakis Christodoulou as chairman with members president of the Cyprus Bar Association Michalis Vorkas and senior official at the Audit Office Theodosis Hadjimichael.

The committee’s primary objective is to investigate the distribution of EU vehicles in Cyprus, the import of vehicles from third countries, and the recall process.

It is expected to complete its investigation and submit its findings to the attorney-general within three months.

Savvides said last week the committee does not have the authority to assign criminal responsibility but can highlight potential evidence that may warrant a criminal investigation.

According to the Cyprus News Agency, the committee has held several meetings already.

Initially, it focused on gathering legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to the investigation in addition to identifying potential individuals who will be called to testify, with the first subpoenas expected to be delivered soon.

The committee is also set to make a public announcement inviting anyone with relevant information to come forward.

A previous committee set up by the cabinet had been dissolved to ensure the inquiry has greater authority and independence, free from legal constraints that might limit its scope.

The issue of recalls made headlines when two people died in faulty-airbag incidents caused when Takata airbags suffer a fault related to exposure to high levels of heat or humidity.