“The best answer is the statements themselves from the American government. We have been in contact since the first moment, we have asked for specific information. Our own political will is clear, that we will not allow this kind of phenomenon, that is, phenomena that escape the framework of the sanctions that have been decided especially by the EU, in which the Republic of Cyprus also participated”, said the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulidis.

Mr. Christodoulidis gave statements to reporters, while being asked about the renewed lists of sanctions issued by the US and the UK, which included persons and legal entities, for the facilitation of Russian oligarchs.

The British Guardian newspaper has posted on its website a series of publications according to which Cyprus is involved in issues concerning Russian oligarchs, who are under sanctions due to relations with the Kremlin.

“We are in contact with the American government, this contact will continue and in the next few days I will also have a meeting, following the meeting we had on Maundy Thursday, with the Legal Service, but also with the Ministry of Finance, precisely to what needs to be done”, noted Mr. Christodoulidis to emphasize that:

“We must not under any circumstances allow or enable anyone to tarnish the name of our country. It is an effort for which there is a clear political will from our side, so that there is no shadow over this specific issue.”

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the President of the Republic of Cyprus stated that he will soon travel to EU countries, with the aim of discussing his proposal for a more active involvement of the EU in efforts to break the deadlock and restart talks on the Cyprus issue. “I continue the efforts both in the direction of the United Nations and in the direction of the European Union.

I have repeatedly mentioned the importance of more active involvement on the part of the EU, some trips abroad will soon be announced, with the main subject of discussion being how we proceed to achieve this goal, having as an effort, where it will end up – and we hope that it will result – after – the elections in Turkey. However, in the near future, some trips abroad will be announced, precisely for this purpose, in EU member states”.

Asked if the messages he received from the contacts he had on this matter were encouraging, the President of the Republic said that “it is positive, yes, that from the EU side they see this need, they see the readiness of our side. Of course this does not satisfy us, we will continue until the last moment, so that data can be created that will allow the talks to resume. I have said many times, I will not tire of saying it, that we will do on our part everything possible. There are some facts at the present juncture that we believe, yes, favor the resumption of talks and the presence of the EU in breaking the deadlock, the involvement of the EU, we believe will be of catalytic importance.”

When asked if there is anything new from the UN, the President of the Republic said that “we are in contact with the UN, you all understand that they are expecting the elections in Turkey”.