The Independent Authority Against Corruption has formally acknowledged delays in its high-profile investigation and issuing of a final report into allegations against former President Nicos Anastasiades as formulated in the Makarios Drousiotis book "Mafia State".
It is further underlined in a written statement that delays in the publication of the report are not connected with the substance of the investigation but objective difficulties that emerged during its drafting, namely health issues faced by two of the appointed investigators (one of them was away for several weeks and the other for a much greater period of time) as well as professional commitments of a third member who was appointed in the civil service, developments 'which inevitably affected the timeframe', as this was a group effort, it was added.
'The investigation is proceeeding without obstacles', the IAAC added, with drafts already completed on the majority of chapters under investigation. It further highlighted the 'zeal and methodical approach of the appointed investigators'.
Pointing to the fact that the investigation coincides with the parliamentary election campaign period, the Authority assured it will 'perform its constitutional role in an independent fashion', calling on the public to expect its final findings with objective judgment.
The IAAC indicates that most of the problems faced have been resolved, but the final report now needs to be ready by April 30th, as the appointment of one of the investigators to the civil service has been deferred until that date.
The Authority needs to comprehensively study the findings and issue a detailed report on its content, a process that will take significant time, due to the sheer volume of evidence. 'This time cannot be determined beforehand,' the Authority clarified.
The IAAC is aware that the timeframe is near the parliamentary election, but notwithstanding, the Authority will perform its work independently.
'We are aware that we live at a time where institutions are strongly questioned and the delay might give some reason to doubt our intentions and honesty', the Authority notes, asking society to be patient and judge the IAAC objectively and through its work.
Drafts have been prepared on three of the five chapters of 'Mafia State' and part of chapter 4, with the chapters not numbered in the same way as the book.
'Investigators carried out a comprehensive and in depth investigation and have our full trust', the Auhority concluded, clarifying that its statement lies within the framework of transparency and accountability, necessary during such investigations, which draw major social interest.
SOURCE: CNA