Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-08-05

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Wednesday, August 5, 1998

Bishop takes centre stage

POLICE investigations into the business dealings of the Bishop of Limassol, Chrysanthos, relegated the missiles to secondary importance in two of yesterday's newspapers.

Alithia reported that the Bishop had been questioned by two Cypriot inspectors. A member of the London Metropolitan Police was also present as an observer. Many questions had been asked, but Chrysanthos only answered those relating to the $3.7 million fraud, which the British police were investigating.

He responded to the three questions about $3.7 million with the word 'never'. The above amount, or part of it, was 'never' in his possession; he 'never' had access to the money; he 'never' attempted to put the money in his name.

This was included in prepared statement he had read to investigators. He also demanded that all questions that investigators wanted answered should be in writing, noting that he was only prepared to respond in writing.

Simerini claimed that the police had found more documents involving large amounts of money and bearing the Bishop's signature. The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Nicos Koshis, had briefed the Archbishop about the latest findings.

Attorney-general Alecos Markides said he did not consider the case of the $3.7 million closed, and police would question the Bishop again. He warned, however, that investigations were complex and would need some time to be completed. Markides added that Chrysanthos would be treated like all citizens as he was not above the law.

Machi said that Greek Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis had discussed the US proposal for an overflights ban, which would be monitored by British radar, with US ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns.

However, a final decision on the US proposal would be taken at the Athens meeting, later this month, between President Clerides and Prime Minister Simitis.

Phileleftheros noted that while talks were in progress about the flights moratorium, Turkey had yet to give any indication about its views. According to diplomatic sources, no-one seems to know whether Ankara is willing to accept the moratorium.

The Cyprus government had, reportedly, asked the US to establish what Turkish intentions are so that it knows how to handle the missile issue. The government felt that an overflight ban which was not guaranteed by Nato, was too small a concession to justify the cancellation of the missile deployment.

Haravghi quoted Russian Foreign Ministry envoy, Vladimir Chizov as saying that the Cyprus deadlock caused tension. This was why efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the demilitarisation of the island were necessary, Chizov said.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article