“Zero tolerance” to violations of anti-Russian sanctions, but no weapons to Ukraine – this is the position of Cyprus, voiced by Nikos Christodoulidis on Tuesday, in a speech following the results of the first hundred days as head of state.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis promised strict adherence to the sanctions regime against the Russian Federation due to the war unleashed by it in Ukraine, writes A.P. He stressed that the government is seeking to live up to Cyprus’ reputation as a “reliable business and financial center” after the US and UK added several Cypriot citizens and Cypriot companies to the list of those who help Russian oligarchs circumvent sanctions. He noted:
“The credibility of our country abroad is extremely important so that we can attract quality investments that would bring income to our country, create new quality jobs and much more.”
The President of Cyprus reaffirmed the policy of “zero tolerance” towards any Cypriot citizen or company that helps to evade international sanctions imposed on Russia after last year’s invasion of Ukraine and reiterated the thesis previously voiced: Cyprus “is on the right side of history”, fully supporting international sanctions against Russia, because it itself experienced similar consequences, like Ukraine, after the 1974 Turkish invasion.
However, Nikos Christodoulidis ruled out any steps to transfer military equipment to Ukraine – in particular, Soviet-era T-80 battle tanks, armored personnel carriers and anti-aircraft missile batteries. Since, against the backdrop of the Turkish threat, the country will not “take any measures that would leave the Republic of Cyprus without armed forces.”
Christodoulidis, who replaced Nikos Anastasiadis as president of Cyprus in February, spoke almost immediately of the need to tackle sanctions violations if Cyprus is to retain its credibility.
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