Yesterday’s press conference by the former President of the Republic left a number of unanswered questions and raised concerns about the involvement of other individuals. The most serious issue concerns his law firm, regarding which the Anti-Corruption Authority has raised serious allegations regarding possible tax evasion and money laundering through shell companies in the British Virgin Islands. In his lengthy statement, Nikos Anastasiadis, after noting that he had not been questioned by the Authority’s officials on these matters, merely reiterated his position that he was not affiliated with the law firm.

“The finding that I was actively involved in the operations of the law firm ‘Nikos Chr. Anastasiadis & Associates’ because the private Partnership Agreement states in its opening articles that Mr. Nikos Anastasiadis “shall bear overall responsibility for supervising the Partnership’s operations” which contradicts a subsequent article that explicitly states that, due to his active involvement in political affairs, he will not participate actively but will be a “silent partner.”

SEE ALSO: From the Charter of Ethics to the “Mafia State”: What is making it difficult for the current and former Presidents of the Republic to accept the findings

The second issue concerns his trips on private jets owned by Russian oligarchs. Specifically regarding the Brussels-Athens flight on Dmitry Rybolovlev’s aircraft, the Authority’s findings noted the absence of a booking record on the part of the former President, the absence of a payment record from the General Accounting Office, as well as the absence of a relevant record of the private flight from the Office of the President of the Republic.

Regarding his use of private jets while serving as President of the Republic of Cyprus, he responds:

“I traveled that way, thereby saving the Republic of Cyprus money—what’s the problem?”

READ ALSO: Highlights of Anastasiades’ press conference: Immunity, the “elephant,” and jet travel

The issue of the land swap between the Church and the state, which was favorable to the Church, is linked, through Makarios Drousiotis’s findings and allegations, to the purchase of a property in Limassol by the wife of Nicos Anastasiades. The property was purchased by the Church. The report contains no allegations against him or his wife, which is perhaps why the former President did not deem it appropriate to mention this.

The Criticisms

On two occasions, Nicos Anastasiades questioned why the report does not mention individuals whom it indirectly takes aim at. One instance concerns the MOKAS investigation into his law firm, which the report criticizes as flawed and favorable to the former President. However, this investigation was submitted to and approved by the then Attorney General, Costas Clerides.

“Since the former Attorney General endorsed the investigation’s findings, why isn’t he being charged with abuse of power or dereliction of duty?”

SEE ALSO: Criminal Investigators for the “Mafia State”: Who They Might Be, What Qualities They Must Possess

The second case concerns the naturalization of Lebedev and Abramov and their spouses. The former president pointed in a different direction.

“Just 18 days after the rejection of Mr. Abramov’s wife’s application—specifically on January 4, 2011— the Cabinet—not that of Nicos Anastasiades, but of the late Demetris Christofias— amended the relevant provisions, allowing for the exceptional naturalization of the spouses and dependents of the naturalized investor. As a result, Mr. Abramov’s wife and two children acquired Cypriot citizenship.”

And he questioned whether the claim that a Cabinet decision was dictated by the leader of the opposition party could be taken seriously.

READ ALSO: “I hope I won’t face a new charge”: The profile of a criminal investigator and Anastasiades’ sarcasm

Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou: