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Mari probe: top official failed to provide vital information
THE head of the president’s diplomatic office Leonidas Pantelides did not “adequately execute his duties” by failing to always relay to the president vital information concerning the containers, including their hazard levels.
Among other things, Pantelides is said to have failed to brief the president on the February 7 2011 meeting at the defence ministry during which concerns were raised over the risks posed by the storage of the containers and the possibility of an explosion.
The report notes that both Pantelides and Christofias testified that the latter was not informed of this meeting, and concludes that Pantelides’ failure to inform the president “constitutes a serious blunder” and was also “extremely paradoxical”, given Pantelides’ otherwise thorough briefing of the president.
Moreover, Pantelides is criticised for advocating the following course of action: during meetings with the Iranian ambassador here, Pantelides suggested that the cargo be separated into dangerous (gunpowder) and non-dangerous materials, that the latter materials be sold and the proceeds given to Syria and to Iran as a symbolic gesture.
The report says that, in its opinion, Pantelides’ “insistence” on separating the materials was “fundamentally “wrong” as it “contributed to the confusion and the delays” surrounding the handling of the cargo.
“This stance, which consisted of reaching a compromise procedure with Iran and Syria, effectively limited the Republic’s scope of options,” it notes.
Pantelides should have been aware, and should have informed the president, that relevant UN Security Council resolutions were clear on the handling of seized cargos and made no provisions or references to the separation of contents.
“I consider that Pantelides’ failure to monitor the issue subsequent to 7/2/2011 is equally censurable, regardless of whether two ministers were present at that meeting,” says Polyviou.
“Certainly the president did not receive the necessary or expected assistance and service from the person in question, something which in my opinion points to a clear responsibility for Mr Leonidas Pantelides.”
But the president should have sought to be kept up-to-date regardless, the report notes.
