VILNIUS 's Suddenly immersed in scandal, President Valdas Adamkus gave a televised address to the nation on Tuesday and said he had accepted resignations from his two advisers and that he demanded a probe into the property deals that led to their downfall.
The president expressed regret about losing the men 's foreign policy adviser Edminas Bagdonas and national security adviser Rytis Muraska 's but added that they resigned in order not to stain the presidential administration.
Bagdonas and Muraska recently moved into houses in the prestigious Turniskes suburb of Vilnius. According to reports, they bought the property at below-market prices.
One report that the president's residence, which is located in the same neighborhood, had been collateralized in order to secure a bank loan. A state-owned utility administers Turniskes.
Adamkus said he wanted law enforcement institutions to look into the case as well as an ad hoc parliamentary commission.
The president also took a shot at Vilnius Mayor Arturas Zuokas, who last year refused to step down despite a plea from the president during a similar televised address.
"I am firmly convinced that the members of my team have demonstrated a stance common in democratic societies and a shining example to Lithuanian politicians of how public servants, the transparency of the activity of which raises doubts, must act," the president said.
