Newly appointed auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou said he was confident that any disagreements with the Law Office would be solved through dialogue, pointing out nevertheless that the Audit Office should have a say, access to data and remain independent.
In their first meeting after the Law Office got Papaconstantinou’s predecessor sacked, the new auditor-general and attorney-general George Savvides discussed matters concerning their offices and ways to cooperate in mutual respect.
Also present at the meeting at the Law Office was deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides. When asked why the deputy auditor-general was not present, Papaconstantinou said “I wanted to hear firsthand from each service, without the presence of a third person.” He added that the deputy auditor-general’s role was important and would be utilised.
Savvides said the Audit Office had a very important role to play in line with the Constitution and that effective cooperation between the two offices would have tremendous benefits towards combatting corruption and the smooth operation of the state.
Papaconstantinou said eradicating corruption was a joint effort and, as offices serving the state, it was their duty to cooperate.
“There is legislation, there is a Constitution. The Constitution clarifies the roles of each service. My personal opinion and what we agreed was that we will do everything possible so that we will not need any law to be able to reach an understanding,” the new auditor-general said.
He added that the common vision was that the Audit Office should have a say, access to data and remain independent.
However, he said, given the complexity and sensitivity of issues, there will be disagreements at times, which will be solved through meetings and constant communication.
Commenting on the public opinion’s reaction to Michaelides’ dismissal, Savvides said one should study the ruling.
“Many people did not understand that what was judged was not the competence, ability, manner of uncovering scandals or anything else, but a behaviour which was in many cases repetitive and deemed inappropriate.”
Savvides said the comments were respected, as was the freedom of speech.
Regarding the reform of the two services, Savvides said it was not discussed during Thursday’s meeting, however he was in contact with Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis and had appointed a team to look into bills proposed by the minister.
“Very soon, we will be giving him our views,” he added.
Papaconstantinou said he had begun a series of meetings to form an opinion, which he would be conveying to the justice minister.
“But first I would like to speak with the attorney-general. I would like his view mainly on the legal part, so that we can complete our thoughts before reaching out to the minister.”
