Outgoing Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said he is leaving the ministry with a sense of gratitude rather than resentment, following publication of the Inquiry Committee's report into the Takata airbag affair.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Transport, Vafeades was asked whether his departure was accompanied by disappointment in the wake of the report's release.
"Certainly not bitterness. I have said clearly that today I am leaving with gratitude," he said.
Refers public to inquiry findings
Commenting on the Takata airbags case, Vafeades noted that the Inquiry Committee had already completed its work and set out its conclusions regarding responsibility.
"I believe there was an Inquiry Committee which has determined where the responsibilities lie. I would encourage anyone interested in the matter to refer to that report, namely where political responsibilities are attributed and where responsibilities are not attributed," he said.
Legislative changes under way
Vafeades also stressed that the issue of vehicle recalls continues to be handled by the competent authorities.
He noted that the Road Transport Department has already submitted two draft bills for public consultation aimed at overhauling the existing recalls framework.
According to Vafeades, the legislative initiatives are designed to restore compliance and bring order to a process that had, in his view, deviated from established procedures for more than 15 years.
"We have put the issue on the right track and we believe that, through the discussion that will take place in Parliament, all these matters will be put in order and clarified," the outgoing Transport Minister said.
Leaves office after Cabinet reshuffle
Vafeades' comments came as he formally handed over the Transport Ministry following President Nikos Christodoulides' mini-reshuffle.
Earlier in the day, the President paid tribute to Vafeades, describing him as a loyal and dedicated colleague.
