Post subject: Re: Main McThread 7PostPosted: Fri Jun 19, 2015 10:22 pm
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HIGH COMMISSION FOR THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
13 St. James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LB
Tel: 020 7321 4100 Fax: 020 7321 4164/5
E-mail: cyphclondon@btconnect.com
Statement on recent media reports on an alleged child abduction incident in Cyprus
We have been following various media reports in the UK regarding the alleged child abduction case at the Anastasia Beach Hotel in Cyprus.
We fully appreciate the concerns of parents regarding the safety of their children.
The allegations are taken seriously by the authorities in Cyprus.
The Police responded rapidly to complaints made by British nationals that an unknown man was taking pictures and approaching children at the hotel grounds. The individual, a 19 year old foreign national, was taken into custody for questioning. He has been living in Cyprus with his parents for the past few years and has no police record. His mobile phone, personal computer and home were thoroughly searched by the Police and nothing incriminating or suspicious was found.
The Police also took statements from the British parents who filed the complaint, as well as from the children themselves. Their statements did not corroborate the allegations concerning a possible abduction plan on the part of the said foreign national. All allegations were duly examined and no evidence was found to support them.
The various press reports in the UK alleging a planned abduction of children from the hotel by a group of foreign nationals are, therefore, unsubstantiated.
In view of the fact that due process has been followed, the Cyprus government considers that the news stories in the UK media do not reflect the facts, thus unfairly tarnishing the good reputation of Cyprus.
The Cyprus Government has excellent co-operation with the competent British authorities in many fields, including crime and justice affairs. The Cyprus Police has been in continuous contact and is cooperating with the British High Commission in Cyprus regarding this matter.
Cyprus is a hospitable holiday destination that receives almost 2.5 million visitors a year.
It is a family friendly destination with one of the lowest crime-rates in the EU and across the world and continues to be one of the safest tourist destinations.
19 June 2015
http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/HighCom/londo ... CYPRUS.pdf