[01] Prison sentence of two Israelis is suspended
President Glafcos Clerides, exercising his Constitutional powers and
following the concurring opinion of the Attorney-General, today granted a
pardon to two Israeli prisoners, suspending the remainder of their prison
term. The pardon is in force as from today.
The two Israelis, Igar Damary, 49 and Udi Hargov, 37, were serving a three
year jail sentence for approaching a restricted area and possessing banned
listening equipment without the permission of the Cypriot authorities. They
had been arrested in early November 1998 and initially charged with spying
but these charges were later dropped.
The decision of the President was taken with the national interest of
Cyprus in mind. A statement says their continuing imprisonment no longer
serves the national interest. On the contrary, it adds, this gesture
towards the friendly neighbouring state of Israel is being made on the
occasion of the assumption of power by the Barak Government, inaugurating a
new period of friendly bilateral relations.
The release of the two men follows a recommendation by the Attorney-General
to President Glafcos Clerides, citing reasons of "national interest".
Acting Attorney-General, Nikos Charalambous said in a statement that
"special reasons made the Attorney General submit the recommendation which
are directly involved with the handling of the national issue."
Therefore, he said, "details cannot be revealed because that would not
serve the purpose of the recommendation."
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/