Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-10-09

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

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

Friday, October 09, 1998

Will the Bishop be charged?

SOME papers speculated over what would happen to the Bishop of Limassol, Chrysanthos, now that the investigative committee appointed by the Holy Synod had completed its report.

Simerini claimed that Archbishop Chrysostomos had no intention of covering up the case if there was adequate evidence to justify the punishment of the Bishop. The Archbishop will act in accordance with the rules of the Church, the provisions of which are different from the criminal justice system.

The Holy Synod is expected to meet on Tuesday to decide which of the 36 charges pending against Chrysanthos are valid. Meanwhile the state's investigations into Chrysanthos' dealings will also continue, said the Attorney-general.

Alithia said that the report by the investigative committee justified criminal charges being brought against the Bishop. According to a source who had read the report, there could be no doubt that the Bishop had violated the rules of the Church charter, the paper said.

Some of the offences committed would justify the defrocking of the Bishop, the source said, adding that there were grounds for criminal charges. The unnamed source also said: "I am certain that at least his (Bishop's) associates should be given prison sentences."

Phileleftheros said that the countdown for the submission of a capital statement by all government ministers, including members of their families, had begun. These will be submitted within the next few weeks, and then be sent to the Auditor-general.

In the statement, each minister will list all immovable property, all means of transport, shares in companies and bank deposits. They will also have to submit a statement of their assets before they became ministers. Those who had served in previous governments will list their assets before their first appointment.

Haravghi said that the government was intent on a general clear-out of the boards of semi-governmental organisations so as to serve "narrow party expediency" and narrow party interests. However, the Council of Ministers did not proceed with the sacking of the Electricity Authority Board.

Meanwhile the government was also trying to impose its choice of chairman on the Hilton Board after the resignation from the post of Andreas Kaisis. However, the board ignored the government's wishes and voted another members as chairman.

Machi reported that UN representative Anne Hercus was greeted with "scepticism and caution" in Ankara, where government officials are concerned that the new initiative would help the Greek side get out of the tight spot it has put itself in over the S-300 missiles.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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