In response to statements made by the Spokeswoman of the Green Party, Eleni Chrysostomou, the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) wishes to clarify the following:
(1) With regard to tax evasion, laws are in place which must be respected and which specify the duties and responsibilities of each organisation / government department.
(2) The responsibility and authority for combating tax evasion lies with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The CBC is, among other things, responsible for maintaining financial stability and supervising banking institutions.
(3) The CBC is prohibited by legislation from providing information in its possession which was obtained while exercising its duties and responsibilities. This prohibition does not apply if the information is requested officially by the House of Representatives. It was in this context that the names of depositors who transferred money abroad a few days before the Eurogroup’s decision were given to the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives then gave these names to the IRD.