Timmermans’s resignation had nothing to do with Dalli
In The Times, today:
OLAF resignation ‘nothing to do’ with John Dalli case
Christian Peregin
Christiaan Timmermans resigned from his role as chairman of the supervisory committee of the EU’s anti-fraud office (OLAF) for “personal reasons” that had nothing to do with the John Dalli case, it has emerged.
OLAF yesterday played down the incident while reacting to international media reports that connected Mr Timmermans’ resignation on Monday with controversy surrounding the resignation of former EU Commissioner Dalli.
“The new chairman has informed the director-general of OLAF, Giovanni Kessler, that the change of President has nothing to do with any actions of OLAF,” a spokesman for OLAF said.
Dismissing claims that procedure had been breached in the Dalli case, the spokesman said OLAF had finalised the report and delivered it to “the relevant authorities”.
“The change of Chairman of the Supervisory Committee can in no way change the contents or conclusions of that report,” OLAF added. Meanwhile, the supervisory committee issued its own statement, pointing out that Mr Timmermans remained a member of the committee.
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