Disy on Thursday called for the independent investigator who will be tasked with probing allegations of abuse of power made against former president Nicos Anastasiades in a report released by the anti-corruption authority to be appointed without delay.

“The appointment of independent criminal investigators must proceed immediately without any delay. The process must be carried out with a clear and strict timetable for completion, within three months, making full use of the work and material already produced to date,” it said.

It added that it remains “in favour of a full, independent and effective investigation”.

The government had on Wednesday announced plans to appoint an independent investigator, though deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou told the Cyprus Mail that that decision only concerned the “intention” to appoint an independent investigator.

He explained that discussions regarding the identity of the individual or individuals chosen, and the matter of whether they may be brought to Cyprus from abroad, will only take place after the legal service has taken receipt of the full report.

Akel, however, remained unconvinced by Disy’s stance on the matter, asking on Wednesday, “how long will [Disy’s leadership] hide?”.

“Do they think that they are convincing anyone when they declare that they definitely want an investigation at a time when they know that the prosecutor’s office is in the hands of the Anastasiades system? Do they remain proud of Nicos Anastasiades’ government?” it asked.