Nicosia, Cyprus. The full 3,000-page report of an anti-corruption authority investigation into allegations made against former president Nicos Anastasiades and others was delivered to attorney-general George Savvides on Monday. The report was also delivered to the office of tax commissioner Sotiris Markides.
Recusals from further handling
Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides had last week recused themselves from any further investigation into the matter.
Savvides said he would do so “due to the involvement of [Anastasiades], both given the relationship and friendship with [him] and to ensure objective impartiality in the handling and decision-making” regarding the case.
Angelides said he will “refrain from any evaluation and decision-making in relation to the finding for the purposes of ensuring objective impartiality in the handling and decision-making”.
Additionally, the legal service’s criminal law section head Elena Cleopa said she will “abstain from the proceedings”, given that she was summoned to testify by the anti-corruption authority as part of its investigation into the case.
Government plans for independent investigator
The government later announced plans to appoint an independent investigator, though deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said the decision concerned only the “intention” to appoint one.
He said discussions regarding the identity of the individual or individuals selected, and whether they may be brought to Cyprus from abroad, will take place only after the legal service has received the full report.
Disy calls for immediate action
In response to the government’s announcement, Disy said the appointment of an independent investigator “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.
The party added that it remains “in favour of a full, independent and effective investigation”.