G.O. Notes

Much of Cyprus was shocked to learn of the killing last night of Antis Hadjicostis, the head the Dias Group, the country’s largest media conglomerate.  Mr. Hadjicostis was shot dead outside his Nicosia home by gunmen who fled on a motorcycle, according to police and media reports.  Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias briefly interrupted the intensive negotiations taking place in the United Nations Protected Area of Nicosia to pay his respects to the Hadjicostis family at their home.  The Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Alexander Downer, also sent a message of condolences this morning.

This is the latest in a series of events to shake the island in recent weeks.  In early December grave robbers stole the remains of former Republic of Cyprus (RoC) President Tassos Papadopoulos.  Last week, the grave of another former RoC President Spyros Kyprianou was vandalized.

JL Diaz