FORMER Ombudswoman Iliana Nicolaou was sworn in yesterday at the Presidential Palace, before President Nicos Anastasiades, replacing Panayiotis Kallis on the committee of inquiry into the economy, after he resigned on Tuesday.
Speaking to Nicolaou, Anastasiades said, “I would like to thank you for your willingness to participate in the committee of inquiry which has been set up to investigate the acts or omissions of persons who were authorised to manage Cyprus’ economy or its banking system”.
The President went on to clarify that the government neither intended nor aimed at “punishing political life”. Through investigating the circumstances that led to the island’s “economic tragedy”, Anastasiades added that no-one was immune from scrutiny. He said that any possible criminal liabilities were the responsibility of an independent judiciary panel and not the government.
“The government has provided the committee of inquiry with wide-ranging terms of reference and it is your sole responsibility to complete the project with sound judgement and ethical integrity,” Anastasiades said, addressing Nicolaou.
“I am convinced that thanks to your experience as a qualified lawyer, but also your service as Ombudswoman, with integrity and honesty, that you will contribute to the successful mission of the Committee as soon as possible,” he concluded.
Iliana Nicolaou poses for the cameras yesterday (Christos Theodorides)