Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu said Thursday, after being questioned by anti-corruption prosecutors, that he is innocent and intends to serve out his full term at the City Hall. He spoke briefly to the press as he left the headquarters of the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA).

'I have nothing to hide. I am confident this trial will bring the truth to light. I am innocent. I've seen the accusations brought against me. [The DNA prosecutors] will communicate what is happening, and I will also speak a bit later. What I can say is that from now on I will have, for a year, two, three - I don't know how long this lawsuit will last - I will be carrying this stain over me. I want to carry out my term as if this doesn't exist. My job is to take care of Bucharest and dedicate the coming period to the city. As for this specific situation, I will cooperate with the judicial authorities,' Ciucu said.

He declined to answer reporters' questions about whether he had been placed under judicial control or whether he knew the business people involved in the case.

According to judicial sources, Ciucu was summoned to the DNA on Thursday to be informed that he is a suspect in a bribery case, allegedly involving the issuance of a permit during his tenure as mayor of Sector 6.

Ciprian Ciucu also serves as First Deputy Chairman of the National Liberal Party (PNL). AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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