NABU assures G7, EU ambassadors of its independence

MOSCOW. March 16 (Interfax) - Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Semyon Krivonos has assured G7 and EU ambassadors that Bureau detectives conduct independent investigations.

The Ukrainian media said on Thursday with a reference to the NABU website that the ambassadors pledged further support for the NABU in countering corruption in Ukraine.

"We are closely monitoring the implementation of reforms. After all, assistance in the Ukrainian fight against corruption is one of our priorities. It is important more than ever to ensure independence of anti-corruption institutions and their capacities and active communication with society and international partners," Japanese Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori said.

The NABU director assured the ambassadors he would provide independent investigations and transparent HR decisions, while organizing the work in a way that NABU results would be appreciated by Ukrainian society and international partners.

"Irrespective of the position and political affiliation, the deeds of a person involved in a corruption crime will be duly investigated and the case will be referred to a court if there are sufficient objective grounds to do so. There can be no compromises when it comes to independence of the NABU and myself as the director," Krivonos said.

According to the media, he told ambassadors about a number of challenges the NABU needs to tackle: a shortage of operative and technical personnel and detectives, problems with forensic examinations in criminal proceedings, and the need to improve the process of crisis communications.

"A higher efficiency of investigations would require the staff enlargement by 300 employees, the establishment of an expert division at the NABU, and the provision of proper physical infrastructure. I am counting on support of partners in the implementation of these initiatives," Krivonos said.