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- Ελληνικά
The GRECO (Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption) Report was published today, in the context of the fifth round of evaluation entitled "Prevention of Corruption and Promotion of Integrity in Central Governments (highest executive powers) and Law Enforcement Agencies", which was prepared following a GRECO evaluation team field visit between 12-16 December 2022.
For the Government, GRECO's recommendations are a useful tool towards promoting transparency and consolidating good governance. It is the intention of our Government to make the best possible use of both the GRECO recommendations and the European Commission's recommendations on the rule of law in Cyprus. It is our strong belief that the implementation of the recommendations promotes and links the name of Cyprus with the best practices followed internationally.
It is also noted that GRECO recommendations are in line with the policies of the Governance Programme, while some of them are being rolled out as a priority and are already in the process of implementation.
Note, for example, the submission of a bill to the House of Representatives, entitled "The Law on Consultants - Associates of Members of the Government Act of 2023", which regulates the procedure for the conclusion of their employment contract and other related matters, as well as the adoption of a proposal pending before the House of Representatives to amend the Law on the President, Ministers and Members of Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus (Declaration and Control of Assets), in order to streamline the existing legal framework on the "filing of assets".
In particular, with regard to GRECO's recommendation for a Code of Conduct for members of the Government, it is underlined that its drafting has been completed by the Commissioner for Legislation and will be submitted to the Council of Ministers.
The implementation of GRECO's recommendations requires cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature, but also with the Anti-Corruption Authority, since two of the thirteen recommendations mentioned in the "Central Government" section relate to this Authority.
In addition, in order to ensure the best possible implementation of all the recommendations, the Government is promoting the creation of a Commission for a thorough study of the recommendations and monitoring the progress of their implementation.
The State will also take appropriate and corresponding actions with regard to the recommendations of the Evaluation Report concerning the Law Enforcement Bodies.
As the Government, we remain committed to the implementation of policies and reforms that promote transparency and modernise the rule of law. In this context, the recommendations of GRECO and the EU Rule of Law Report are prioritized, which, together with the implementation of the Governance Programme, aim to reorganize the State. Indicative is the specific reference in the Evaluation Report to the Government's initiative concerning the establishment of the Advisory Council for the appointment of the Boards of Directors of Legal Entities under Public Law, while at the same time the creation, for the first time, of an Internal Audit Unit in the Presidency of the Republic is welcomed.
(PM/MB/EXP)
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