The Cabinet held an initial exchange of views on Wednesday on the expertise, qualifications and names of potential criminal investigators to be appointed following the Anti-Corruption Authority’s report concerning the book ‘Mafia State’, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said, adding that the team will consist of more than one person and will be appointed as soon as possible.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Letymbiotis said the report was delivered on Tuesday and that Cabinet members had a first discussion on the matter on Wednesday. Replying to questions, he did not rule out the possibility that members of the investigative team could come from abroad, saying that the required expertise is being discussed ‘always in relation to the duties they will have under the provisions of the law.’
Recalling that the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General have recused themselves from the process, Letymbiotis said the Cabinet has the authority to appoint independent criminal investigators. He clarified, however, that it does not have the power to appoint an independent prosecutor.
Asked about strong public concern over issues of corruption and the delivery of justice, and whether a timeframe should be set for the appointments, the Spokesman said the matter must be approached with seriousness.
He said the persons who will make up the team of independent criminal investigators must be selected after a thorough examination of their qualifications, competence and the absence of any possible conflict of interest.
‘Once this examination is completed, the priority is, of course, for them to be appointed as soon as possible,’ he said.
Letymbiotis said the important thing is for investigations to proceed into all matters included both in the Authority’s announcement and in the lengthy report, so that public confidence in the institutions can be restored through the work of the independent criminal investigators.
Replying to further questions, he said the matter is being discussed by the entire Cabinet and that ‘a first reference to names’ was made during Wednesday’s meeting.
‘This is something that will be examined more extensively in the coming days, and once the team of investigators is finalised, it will be announced,’ he said.
He added that the team will include more than one person, noting that individuals are already being sounded out and that names are under consideration. Asked who proposes the names, Letymbiotis said every Cabinet member may submit suggestions, which will then be examined to determine whether the individuals meet the terms of reference.
Asked about the absence of the Justice Minister from the Cabinet meeting, the Spokesman said the Minister was attending a meeting of a parliamentary committee, but had been in contact with the President of the Republic earlier in the day.
He added that Cabinet members are often absent for various reasons or due to trips abroad, but remain in constant communication with President Nikos Christodoulides.