Pantelides says MPs cover own costs in new Israel Allies Foundation group

Nicosia, Cyprus. Diko MP Chrysis Pantelides said on Thursday that MPs participating in the newly established Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) parliamentary group pay their own expenses. He said the group receives no financial backing from the organisation and has no monetary exchanges with it.

Launch expenses and transparency

Pantelides, who leads the Cyprus chapter, told Politis radio that he had personally covered the dinner and coffee costs for Wednesday’s launch.

He dismissed suggestions that participation would bring compensation for members, adding that any future travel financed by the foundation would be disclosed in full.

“There is no exchange in political or parliamentary activities,” Pantelides said. He described suggestions that an MP might work against the interests of their country and voters as offensive.

Cooperation and next steps

Pantelides characterised the arrangement as a framework for political cooperation, not a series of obligations. He said the group had been established the day before and would hold online meetings to develop a specific plan of action.

He said he had initiated the project following discussions with colleagues who shared his views, having encountered the network while on missions abroad.

International network

The IAF operates as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation, with parliamentary groups across 68 parliaments. Comparable groups operate in the parliaments of 25 EU member states, as well as in the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

According to the foundation, its network includes more than 1,700 legislators, with Cyprus becoming its 68th group.