Lucibello rejects the accusations: no sum taken from Disti

Enzo Lucibello has responded to the decision by which Disti removed him from its presidency. The Ticino retail distribution association had justified the measure by citing improper use of funds.

In his statement the former president says no sum was taken from the association. He recalls having led it for eighteen years and maintains that he acted in its exclusive interest, following internal procedures.

Lucibello also states that all the operations he carried out are traceable, documented and conducted in the open. He rejects any interpretation suggesting personal enrichment or fraudulent use of the association's means.

The announced checks

The former president offers full cooperation to the internal control bodies and to the competent authorities. He says he is making all accounting documentation available for examination.

Finally he asks that the presumption of innocence be respected until the announced checks are complete, and that his personal and professional dignity be protected from premature judgements.

The matter therefore stands at a stage where two distinct accounts coexist. On one side the committee's statement, which refers to operations it says it was not properly informed about. On the other the position of the person concerned, according to whom those same operations were documented and in line with internal rules.

The gap between the two versions therefore concerns knowledge and authorisation of the acts, rather than their existence. That is the point the announced accounting checks will have to clarify.

No judicial authority has ruled on the case so far. Neither side has indicated a timetable for the internal procedures.