The MoD Press Office has the mandate to release the following statement by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Teodor Atanasiu:

I took notice of the decision made by the President of Romania based on Law no. 115/1999 referring to the minister's accountability. It is a rational decision, which I have asked for since the beginning, because I do not want to be treated in a preferential manner, but rather be considered as a common citizen of this country.

I stress again that I have nothing to hide as regards the aspects under investigation, that I have trust in the Romanian justice, without any political involvement in its actions.

MoD Press Office