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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-03-14Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Wednesday, 14 March 2001CONTENTS[01] Foreign Minister meets with the Governor of the Central Bank of YugoslaviaCyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides had a meeting yesterday with the Governor of the Central Bank of Yugoslavia, Mr Mladjen Dinkic.In a statement after the meeting, Mr Kasoulides said that this is the first of a series of meetings, the sole purpose of which is to establish whether funds belonging to the Yugoslav people were illegally taken from them by ex- officials or others and filtered through the system in Cyprus. "Cyprus has the political will to cooperate on this issue. This has always been our policy," Mr Kasoulides said and stressed that if any evidence leads to information or suspicions, the Cyprus Government is ready to offer its cooperation. This meeting constitutes the first serious step towards this direction in the framework of Cyprus' constitution and laws, he added. Cyprus and Yugoslavia have friendly relations and are united by cultural and historic bonds Mr Kasoulides said, adding that the cooperation initiated between Cyprus and Yugoslavia would continue in the coming months to achieve their joint goal. [02] US welcomes cooperation between Cyprus and Yugoslavia on the issue of export of Yugoslav funds"The Government of Cyprus has indicated publicly that it is prepared to work with Yugoslavia to identify and trace the Milosevic money trail. We would like to see the fullest possible cooperation between Nicosia and the new authorities in Belgrade. And obviously we welcome the cooperation that exists", the US State Department Spokesman stated during his daily press briefing on 12 March.Replying to questions in relation a report in the Washington Post (11.03 2001) that Yugoslavia's former President Slobodan Milosevic and his close associates channelled Yugoslav assets through Cyprus and other countries to a whole variety of locations, Mr Boucher said that the US concern over this issue has been well known and longstanding. "Recently, the Cypriot authorities have taken some steps to stop such flows, including closing Beogradska Bank's offshore banking unit and freezing accounts held by suspect Yugoslav nationals" he said, adding that Cyprus is also working directly with the International Tribunal. Moreover, Mr Boucher said that this "is not a matter between the United States and Cyprus so much as it is a matter between Cyprus and the new government of Belgrade, between Cyprus and the International Tribunal, and between Cyprus and its international obligations under the United Nations". [03] Minister of Communications concludes visit to IrelandThe Minister of Communications and Works Mr Averof Neophytou accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr Vassos Pyrgos concluded yesterday a two-day official visit to Dublin.In the framework of his visit the Minister had a meeting with the Irish Minister of Public Enterprise Mrs Mary O' Rourke with whom he discussed issues relating to communications, postal services, air transport and airport development. Special attention was given to the issue of liberalisation of telecommunications. Mr Neophytou held talks with the Deputy Minister for Marine and Natural Resources Mr Hugh Byrne with whom he discussed issues relating to sea transport and safety at sea. He also had separate meetings with the General Directors of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta Michael Foley and John Burke with whom he exchanged views on the reforms in the air transport sector. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |