Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-08-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Holy Synod - Limassol Bishop

1725:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Holy Synod - Limassol Bishop

The Holy Synod convened in a six hour extraordinary session during which Bishop of Limassol, Chrysanthos, briefed members on an alleged 3.7 million-dollar fraud.

The Bishop's name had come up in the fraud case, investigated by Cypriot and British police.

The Holy Synod will appoint a committee to investigate into the allegations.

In a written statement, the Holy Synod said that "according to documents presented and what the Bishop of Limassol informed the Synod, it was ascertained that he had undertaken commitments and entered agreements of a financial nature, without the prior approval of the Holy Synod and the Financial Council."

It added that a decision on how the issue will finally be dealt with "will depend on the results of the investigation of the relevant state organs and a special committee which will be appointed by the Holy Synod."

In statements after the meeting, Bishop Chrysanthos said he respects the joint communique of the Synod.

"I am very happy because the church system works very well, in a democratic manner and according to the rules of the church which we love and respect," he said.

Yesterday, the Bishop met with Cyprus and British Police officials where he had read a signed statement in which he said he never possessed the 3.7 million dollars, nor part of the money, nor did he ever have access to it.

Scotland Yard is investigating the fraud case in which the cash is alleged to have ended up in a Nicosia-based offshore company.

CNA AA/EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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