President recommends criminal investigation for Defense minister

The Romanian president Traian Basescu announced that he agreed with the special commission’s recommendation to pursue a criminal investigation against the Liberal Defense minister Teodor Atanasiu accused of abuse of office by a presidential counselor and a Social Democrat deputy.

The presidential counselor Adriana Saftoiu sued Atanasiu following a statement by the Defense minister that accused Saftoiu of providing the press with discrediting info about him. The president’s recommendation does not mention the suspension perspective of the minister; however, in a criminal investigation case this is required.

The Liberals’ spokesperson expressed his confidence that the investigation will redeem Atanasiu.

HotNews.ro, Sep 6, 2006