Prosecutor General Corneliu Gurin expressed his concerns about the political tensions that appeared after his appointment to the post 10 days ago and about the possible revision of the given Parliament Decision. He said he accepted to apply for this post on condition that he will not be part of a political understanding. In order to protect himself from possible political pressure, Corneliu Gurin made a public commitment not to intervene in the investigation of criminal cases and to focus on the reformation of the institution. The prosecutor general made such statements in an interview for IPN themed “Prosecution service can and should be reformed in people’s and society’s interests”, which was published on April 29, 2013.
“I’m not at all concerned. I didn’t understand very well what happened in Parliament. I only saw in the press that there are MPs who do not want to admit that they voted for me. I discussed with the factions before the voting and was in the hall when the vote was held. I was sworn in and saw the Decision published in the Official Gazette. As all the constitutional procedures were performed, I believe that this is only an action that forms part of the current tense landscape. I refuse to believe that somebody now tries to trade in the post of prosecutor general or that my name can be used as an instrument of blackmail between the political parties.
“When I accepted the post of Prosecutor General, I told Mister Lupu and Mister Filat that I will never accept to be part of a political understanding. I imposed this condition not accidentally. I made a public commitment not to intervene in the investigation of criminal cases and to focus on the reformation and modernization of the institution. This way, I decided to protect myself from possible attempts to exert political pressure on me. Both of the statesmen accepted my position and assured me that I will have freedom to do my job and that they will help me carry out my plans. I count on the word and good faith of the two. I know them for a long time, respect them and have confidence in their promises,” said the prosecutor general.
According to Corneliu Gurin, if Parliament dismisses him this Thursday as rumored, this decision will concern not him, but the Prosecutor General’s Office and the status and future of this institution. “The question about the future must be put to those who may decide to annul the vote that was given and validated. If such a decision is taken, it will relate not to me, but to the PGO and the status and future of this fundamental law enforcement institution. I’m sure that the members of Moldova’s Parliament must focus on the state interests and the people’s welfare, while the taken decisions should be based on these desiderata,” the prosecutor general stated for IPN.
Last week, Parliament set up a commission to examine the circumstances in which the decision to name the new prosecutor general was taken, after a number of lawmakers said the Decision was passed by a lower than required number of votes.
