Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-09-19

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Wednesday, 19 September 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Allegations concerning Cyprus' involvement in money laundering unfounded
• [02] New British High Commissioner in Cyprus

[01] Allegations concerning Cyprus' involvement in money laundering unfounded

"The Government of the Republic of Cyprus expresses its great surprise and concern at allegations made by former CIA chief James Woolsey during an interview to the Italian daily La Repubblica published today. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus categorically refutes these allegations in the strongest possible way. The spokesperson of the US Embassy in Nicosia stated today, in this regard, that commentators such as Mr Woolsey "speak only for themselves and do not represent US Government policy".

Unfounded and unjustifiable attacks such as those by Mr.Woolsey are both disingenuous and seriously undermine the good faith efforts and commitment of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to contribute to the international efforts to combat financial crimes and terrorism. The Government of Cyprus wishes to stress that it has been in constant contact and dialogue with the Government of the United States of America with a view to cooperating in combating money laundering, international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction etc. At no time during this cooperation has the issue of funds belonging to the terrorist organization headed by Osama bin Laden been raised. Such serious allegations would have been fully investigated by the Cypriot authorities as in the case of other requests for cooperation and investigation of information.

As regards the allegations by Mr.Woolsey that Cyprus is a financial haven the Cyprus Government recalls that the US Department of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report outlines the anti-money laundering regime in place in Cyprus and states that the "central bank has in place a strict regulatory framework aimed at preventing abuses within the offshore sector". The report also notes the cooperation that exists between the two countries in fighting this growing international phenomenon. In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force, of which the US is a member, conducted a review of Cyprus/s anti- money laundering regime against 25 specific criteria. Cyprus was not identified as a non-cooperative country in the fight against money laundering. The report states that: "Cyprus has a comprehensive anti-money laundering system". It is also recalled that Cyprus was not included in the list of tax havens that was published by the OECD Forum for Harmful Tax Practices in June 2000. Most recently in July 2001, the IMF released its assessment of the banking supervision in respect of the offshore sector and commented positively.

The Government of Cyprus wishes to reiterate that it fully recognizes the existence and the dimensions of this international problem. The fight against international crime, particularly terrorism, through international cooperation, has become one of the top priorities of the foreign policy of Cyprus. The Government wishes to stress that it will act with the requisite speed and seriousness in response to any information and requests received from competent national authorities that point to the terrorist organization headed by Osama bin Laden or any other terrorists using the financial system of Cyprus. The Government requests that if such information exists, it be made available immediately in order that the necessary investigations and measures are undertaken forthwith. Cyprus is committed to cooperating with the United States and other countries, both bilaterally as well in international fora to fight terrorism and its sponsorship".

[02] New British High Commissioner in Cyprus

Presenting his credentials Mr. Parker said:

«I have the honour to present to Your Excellency my Letters of Commission as British High Commissioner in Cyprus.

It is a great privilege for me to serve in the beautiful and remarkable island, especially at a time of such significance for the future of the people of Cyprus.

The United Kingdom has always strongly supported the United Nations in the search for a settlement to the Cyprus problem. As Your Excellency knows, we are engaged at the highest level: in the last year, your yourself have discussed the Cyprus problem with Prime Minister Tony Blair; you and your Foreign Minister have met Robin Cook; and Keith Vaz has visited Cyprus.

In this context, we were deeply disappointed by the refusal of Mr. Denktash to accept the Secretary-General's invitation to the resumption of talks. We will continue to make every effort to support the UN's work in promoting a just and comprehensive settlement for all Cypriots.

Cyprus is making impressive progress in preparing for the obligations of EU membership. Our two countries have worked closely together on these issues and we are keen to continue that cooperation.

Britain remains convinced, along with her EU partners, that a settlement of the Cyprus problem before accession would be strongly in the interests of the two communities on the island and of an enlarged EU. At the same time, we support the Conclusions of the Helsinki European Council that a settlement is not a pre-condition for accession.

Membership of the EU will bring substantial economic benefits to Cyprus. That is good news for Britain too. Britain has long been Cyprus' largest trading partner. Many established British companies and products continue to hold their own in the highly competitive Cyprus market, and new opportunities for trade in both directions are continually opening up. Recent years have also seen a welcome increase in the invisible trade relationship between our two counties, particularly in the services and tourism sectors.

We are particularly proud that more Cypriots who go on to fee paying higher education choose to do so in the UK than in any other country in the world. Today more Cypriots than ever are choosing to study in the UK, continuing a long tradition of which I know that you yourself, Your Excellency, are part. Last year 50,000 British exams were taken in Cyprus, qualifications that will stand their holders in good stead into the future.

Many Cypriot students going to the UK will stay with family members who are already living and working in Britain. In turn, those who teach them in Britain may well have family who are in business or enjoying retirement here in Cyprus. An extraordinary number of Cypriots choose to live in Britain and Britons in Cyprus. Many more visit each year for holidays. These human relationships are crucial to the closeness and warmth of the links between our two counties. Having just moved here from London's Camden Town, I know from my own experience how well people of Britain and Cyprus get on together at the personal level. Long may this remain so.

Your Excellency, may I say again how delighted I am to come to Cyprus as High Commissioner. I ask you to accept the Letters of Commission which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been graciously pleased to ask me to deliver to you, together with the Letters of Recall of my predecessor, Mr. Edward Clay».

Replying the President of the Republic, said:

«I have the distinct pleasure of accepting the Letters of Commission, accrediting you as the new British High Commissioner in the Republic of Cyprus. I assure you that the members of my Government and I, look forward to working closely with you and assisting you in the performance of your high duties.

My Government accords great significance to the relations between our two countries and is firmly committed to further strengthen and consolidate the existing close and warm ties of partnership and cooperation, pursued on a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues. These strong bonds are solidly based on our firm adherence to the principles of justice, respect of human rights and the rule of law, principles which form the essence of the European legacy, which our countries share. Looking forward I remain certain that in the years ahead deeper and stronger ties can be forged to bring our people and countries closer.

It should be noted that some aspects of the special relations that Cyprus and Great Britain enjoy are manifested in the fields of tourism and trade, as well as in the impressive number of Cypriot students who graduate from British universities and also, the large Cypriot community who live and work in Britain.

I firmly believe that the future membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Union will further strengthen and give new scope and impetus to our relations. In this respect, I express the belief that we can continue to rely with confidence on your country's valuable support to the steady course of Cyprus towards accession to the European Union. The United Kingdom with its very prominent role, high profile and active engagement in the affairs of the European Union is well placed to contribute towards the fulfilment of our rightful aspiration for an early accession to the European Union, as well as for the attainment of the long overdue solution of the Cyprus problem.

As we struggle to pursue our central aims to solve the Cyprus problem and join the European Union, we see in your country a strong and principled partner. We look forward to, and deeply appreciate the ongoing support extended to us. We acknowledge that Britain has a particular role to play not least as a guarantor power of the 1960 settlement, and we firmly believe that it will continue to use its influence to help bring about the peaceful reunification of the island.

As is clearly evident, despite the active involvement of the international community and the goodwill and constructive approach demonstrated by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus all these years, all efforts undertaken so far for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus question, were systematically obstructed by Turkey, which continues to the present day its intransigent stance, provocatively violating the dictates of international law. As to the current situation and the efforts to reactivate the stalled UN-led negotiations, we are yet again faced with the utterly negative approach of Mr. Denktash who has, as you are aware, refused to accept the invitation of the United Nations Secretary General for the resumption of the talks.

As we have repeatedly emphasized despite all difficulties our side remains fully committed in its search for a just and viable solution. Our goal is clear: to reach a solution based on the United Nations resolutions on Cyprus and in conformity with the acquis communautaire, which will ensure the prosperity and security of all Cypriots within a united Cyprus, a federal Cyprus, free from occupation forces and illegal settlers, where all the human rights of all citizens Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots will be safeguarded.

Our own concerns and worries due to the failure to make progress towards the solution of the Cyprus problem due to the negative attitude of the Turkish side have not of course blinded us to the shocking events in New York and Washington.

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus unreservedly condemn the barbaric terrorist attack of the 11th September 2001 which led to the loss of the lives of so many American and other citizens, and enormous human suffering and material destruction. We express our deep sympathy to the relatives of the victims and the missing and pledge to cooperate with the Government of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and all other governments engaged in the fight against terrorism. I should be grateful if you were to convey to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Government and the people of the United Kingdom a warm message of friendship, for well-being and continued prosperity, on behalf of the people of Cyprus, my Government and myself».

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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