Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-11-21

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Cabinet - Interior Minister

1840:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cabinet - Interior Minister

Announcing the cabinet decision, after a marathon extraordinary meeting here today, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said "the President did not accept the Minister's resignation because in his view and in the view of the Attorney General, as outlined in his opinion on the allegations, the decision to order an inquiry does not constitute guilt."

No man is considered guilty just because accusations were leveled against him, Stylianides added.

Michaelides was faced with allegations about acquiring wealth through improper means and claims of corruption.

The Minister, who has repeatedly protested his innocence, said he was "fully satisfied with today's decision taking into account that 11 of the allegations were rejected."

He said he would continue exercising his duties as Interior Minister. In its decision, read out to the press by Stylianides, the cabinet rejected 11 allegations relating to the construction of the Minister's house and that of his daughter, the purchase of land and other property, road extension and adjustment of planning permission.

Stylianides said that two independent investigators were appointed, law commissioner George Stavrinakis and Andreas Shiakas of the Auditor General's office, to look into allegations concerning the sale of a flat and approval in files of the Immigration Department.

The two officers will submit their findings to Attorney General Alecos Markides for evaluation at the end of their investigation.

"At this stage, it cannot even be said that there is evidence which would justify charges against Michaelides, in connection with everything mentioned in (chairman of the House Watchdog Committee) Christos Pourgourides' charges," the spokesman said.

But he pointed out that there are elements which "not only justify but necessitate an inquiry in accordance with criminal law even though the basis of many of Pourgourides' charges have been in effect dismissed or to a large degree weakened."

Today's cabinet session, which lasted over four hours, was the second extraordinary meeting held in as many days.

President Clerides and ministers studied an opinion submitted to them by the Attorney General on the allegations against Michaelides.

CNA GG/MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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