Athens, Nicosia - Cyprus' justice minister resigned on Wednesday after a convicted murderer serving two life terms escaped custody, reports said.

Justice Minister Kypros Chrysostomides submitted his resignation on Wednesday to Cypriot President Dimitris Christofiaswho accepted it.

The prisoner, a Greek Cypriot, was jailed for life for the rape and murders of a Swedish housewife and Ukrainian dancer in 1994. He escaped on December 12 from a private hospital where he was being treated ahead of surgery.

Reports said the prisoner would regularly leave his hospital room through an unguarded window.

Hospital officials said they recommended the prisoner be moved to a guarded room but was ignored by authorities who said the prisoner needed a room with a view. (dpa)