The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, recognizing the critical importance of protecting religious freedoms and supporting minorities in the Middle East, has decided to appoint Thessalia Salina Shambos as the Special Representative of the Republic of Cyprus for Religious Freedoms and Protection of Minorities in the Middle East, Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday. The appointment will come into effect as of January 1st, 2025.