Prosecutors close Belka – Sienkiewicz 'tape affair' investigation

Tapes of the conversation – leaked to a weekly magazine in the so-called 'tape affair' which rocked the government over the summer – recorded central bank chief Marek Belka and interior minister Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz apparently discussing a possible deal whereby the National Bank of Poland could help the Civic Platform party get re-elected next year with favourable monetary policy in return for the sacking of the then finance minister Jacek Rostowski.

Prosecutors said on Tuesday in a statement, however, that after interviewing the main players in the case that no crime had been committed.

Critics claim the conversation revealed unconstitutional behaviour by the minister and central banker and threatened the independence of the national bank.

Investigations continue on who secretly recorded many of Poland's top officials and politicians in smart restaurants across the capital. (pg)