President Nicos Anastasiades decided on Thursday to dismiss Michalis Papageorgiou from his post as Chief of Police, a day after far right extremists from ELAM party caused serious incidents at an event in Limassol, which was addressed by former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

In a written statement, read out by Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, the Cypriot President addresses himself to all people of Cyprus but in particular “to our Turkish Cypriot compatriots”, stressing that the main concern of the government and all political forces is to achieve conditions of peaceful coexistence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the context of a solution, which will fully secure human rights and the democratic function of a fully fledged member state of the European Union”

In his letter to Papageorgiou, President Anastasiades says that he took the decision to dismiss him from his post after yesterday`s events that took place in Limassol and a series of other actions and omissions prior to this event.

He adds that he also took into consideration Papageorgiou’s “lack of respect of decisions of the Republic’s institutions, including Court decisions and recommendations by the Ombudswoman” and the limited performance of his duties, relating to the fight against serious crime and the protection of citizens.

The President decided to appoint Senior Police Officer Zacharias Chrysostomou, Director of Cyprus Police Academy, as the new Chief of the Police as of May 28, 2014.

In his written statement, read out by the Government Spokesman, President Anastasiades says he was appalled by the “disgraceful and unacceptable incidents during yesterday’s event”.

He stresses that the state will not accept any “fascist behavior, from anyone”.

President Anastasiades adds that in this context he has instructed the Police Force to proceed with an immediate investigation of the facts and bring to justice those involved in “offensive – to Cypriot Hellenism – unlawful acts”.

During yesterday’s incidents, ELAM supporters forced their way into the lobby of the building where the discussion was to take place. During scuffles that followed on Turkish Cypriots journalist who was accompanying Talat sustained slight injuries. Police prevented ELAM members from entering the hall where the discussion was to take place. Talat delivered his speech.

The government condemned in the strongest possible terms ELAM’s actions, saying it will not allow such behaviour which falls far short of democratic norms.

All political parties and various organizations vehemently condemned last night’s incidents, saying they are a disgrace to democracy and pointing out that everybody should be able to express their views in a civilized manner, within the law.