As much as it suits certain people to hark on the past, we have an obligation to highlight the originations that have led to our country’s international shaming
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 25th November 2020, Nicosia
We have no hesitation in admitting that the old practices concerning anonymous contributions have been considered unworthy by parties and society. This is a bad past which we as AKEL have proved in practice that we have left behind us. After all, since 2013, when the legislative framework changed, a change for which we played a leading role as a Party, we have been giving tangible samples in relation to financial transparency. Uninterruptedly and always on time, we submit AKEL’s audited financial accounts to the Audit Office and these are posted on our Party Website.
On our part, we won’t comment on the allegations made by Mr. Lilli, not because we are avoiding the substance, but because from the very outset we don’t believe in conducting trials through the mass media. There are answers to Mr. Lillis’ allegations and these were given repeatedly when the issue was in the news. But we will not go back. If we want to be useful to the country, we must of course look to the past with a self-critical disposition, but our thoughts must remain focused on the present and the future. The country is in an unprecedented vortex of corruption scandals with the Anastasiades government bearing the sole responsibility. So, as much as it suits certain people to hark on the past, with allegations to create impressions, we have an obligation to highlight the originations that have led to our country’s international shaming with the current government ruling circles responsible. We will continue to submit concrete proposals, as we have done many times, to stamp out corruption, for transparency and accountability.