Probe into Jiří Čunek’s finances reveals no irregularities

A probe into Deputy Prime Minister Jiří Čunek’s private finances has revealed no irregularities, according to Green Party leader Martin Bursík. Mr. Bursík made the statement on Czech Television on Sunday, amidst growing speculation as to the audit’s outcome. Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg who commissioned the investigation by the US private detective agency Kroll met with Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek and Green Party leader Martin Bursík late on Saturday to inform them about its outcome. Mr. Bursík said during a televised debate on Sunday that its results provided no reason to demand Mr. Čunek’s dismissal or for the Greens to quit the government. Jiří Čunek was accused of bribery in the spring of 2007 and although his prosecution was later halted for lack of evidence, he never quite managed to clear his name. There were fears that if the audit produced evidence of corruption it could lead to a major government crisis. Mr. Čunek himself has been unavailable for comment.