Statements by the President of the Republic

“Everything that has been brought to light will be investigated and no one is above the reputation of our country,” the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, said tonight when asked to comment on foreign media reports that have been brought to light regarding Cyprus.

In his statements to journalists in the sidelines of an event in Paliometocho, when asked to comment on today’s reports against Cyprus in relation to Russian oligarchs, the President of the Republic stated, “No one is above the reputation of our country. In addition to what has been done over the years, because important decisions have been taken, I would like to remind you that, after the new government took office and in the wake of the sanctions by the British and the Americans, we have further strengthened the entire institutional framework. Everything that has been brought to light will be investigated, and within a given timeline. I repeat, no one is above the reputation of our country.”

In response to a clarifying question regarding the said timeline, the President of the Republic replied, “No one, absolutely no one, is above the name of our country. All the information that has been brought to light will be investigated within a given timeline. We should get this matter over with. The reputation of our country, the credibility of our country, you understand that it is crucial to the effort of all the Cypriot people for a strong, resilient economy that allows us to have a targeted social policy, a strong economy that allows us to invest in Health, Education and other areas. Therefore, of course, it is an issue that is very high on our priorities. I repeat for the umpteenth time, no one should be and no one is above the name and reputation of our country, and everything that is brought to light will be investigated.”

Asked when he would have the telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG), the President replied, “Very shortly”.

Asked whether he has discussed the issue of abolishing the veto with the political leaders in Cyprus as well as the safeguards referred to earlier today by the Government Spokesman, the President of the Republic said, “No such issue has been raised, officially at least, at the EU level, I repeat, officially. There are informal consultations and it is a matter of concern to the EU. What I have mentioned, and I am happy about the interest in European issues, is that first and foremost we have to define what is the interest of the EU in order to touch on all other issues, including the issue of abolishing the veto. What I can tell you from the informal consultations so far, because they are informal, is that this is an issue that I do not think will go forward.”

(GS/MS)

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