The 12 members of the Supreme Council of Prosecutors elected the president of the Council by an unanimous vote at the first meeting on January 14. The post will be held by Iurie Garaba, the head of the General Investigations Division of the Prosecutor General's Office, Info-Prim Neo reports. Gheorghe Leiciu, the prosecutor of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, who was a candidate for the post withdrew his candidacy. “I'm afraid I will not be able to hold two posts simultaneously,” he argued. Iurie Garaba said he feels enormous responsibility. “I consider the Supreme Council of Prosecutors must have efficient and productive cooperation relations with the Prosecutor General's Office,” he said. “We must not create crisis situations and conflicts, but try to reach compromises and promote the persons that have the necessary skills.” . Prosecutor General Valeriu Zubko said the appearance of the Council was a result of the democratization policy pursued by the present government. “I think it was a step in the right direction that will contribute to the better functioning of the Prosecutor's Office. The entire society will feel the effects of the Council's work,” he said. Minister of Justice Alexandru Tanase said the creation of the Supreme Council of Prosecutors was an important step aimed at reforming the Prosecutor's Office. “The Council will help free gradually the Prosecutor's Office from the influence of the political sector.” The Supreme Council of Prosecutors is a representative body of the prosecutors composed of 12 members. Its members are: Valeriu Zubko, Alexandru Tanase, Dumitru Visternicean, the chairman of the Supreme Council of Magistrates, Nicolae Geru, Andrei Negru, Mihail Vinogradov, Serghei Turcan, Mihail Chirila, Andrei Smochina, Gheorghe Leiciu, Igor Serbinov, and Iurie Garaba. The first three are ex officio members.