(by M. Riley)

Citigroup’s top executive, dismissed last months in the light of Japanese scandal, Thomas W. Jones said it had been not fair to make him accountable for a scandal.

Last month, Mr. Jones, with other two executives Mr. Scaturro and Mr. Maughan, was dismissed as accountable for the scandal with the company’s Citibank in Japan.

"Do I feel there’s anything more I could have done? The answer is ’no,’” said Mr. Jones.

A spokeswoman for Citigroup commented on the situation: "Given the responsibilities and seniority of the three individuals, it was appropriate for each of them to leave the company. The decision was made after a thorough and thoughtful review that was supported by, among other things, the work of an independent, outside adviser."

Mr. Jones said immediately after the issue had occurred he visited Japan, but “this was corroborated for me by the fact that there were never any audit issues raised."

"What is the standard of accountability? If that standard is applied at two levels above the point of error, then I am in that line of responsibility. But it ought to be done uniformly. I am no more culpable for Japan than are Chuck Prince, Bob Willumstad and Doug Peterson," he added.