President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades assured here on Wednesday that the government neither intends nor aims at penalizing political life in Cyprus, noting at the same time that no one enjoys immunity with respect to the investigations into the circumstances that have led economic hardship.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace during the swearing-in ceremony of the new member of the Investigation Committee on the responsibilities for the Republic of Cyprus’ economic situation Eliana Nicolaou, who substituted Panagiotis Kallis who resigned on Monday from the Committee, Anastasiades said that “any criminal responsibilities that may emerge lie within the responsibility of the independent judiciary and not the government.”
Addressing Nicolaou, Anastasiades said that the government has provided the Investigation Committee with very broad terms of reference and added: “it is your sole responsibility to fulfill your mandate based on sound judgment, ethics and your career and experience,” noting that Nicolaou as well as the President of the Committee George Pikis and the member of the Committee Andreas Kramvis are highly regarded in the Cypriot society.
Anastasiades thanked Nicolaou for her willingness to be part of the Committee “that has been set up to investigate the actions or the omissions of persons mandated to handle the economy or the banking system.”
He expressed the conviction that as an experienced and eminent lawyer who has also served for many years as Ombudswoman, and with her integrity and honesty, Nicolaou will contribute to the successful fulfillment of the mission of the Committee the soonest possible.
Nicolaou’s appointment was signed by Justice and Public Order Minister Ionas Nicolaou.
The President of the Committee George Pikis and its member Andreas Kravmis were also present at the ceremony.