AHI Confirms that Additional Companies Did Not Participate in the Delegation Trip to the Occupied Northern Part of Cyprus

WASHINGTON, DC—The AHI has confirmed that in addition to American Express, other companies who were listed as participants in the February 17, 2005 delegation trip to occupied Cyprus did not, in fact, participate. AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis spoke with a FedEx Spokesman and has found that FedEx did not join the delegation.

In a statement sent to Nick Larigakis, FedEx states, "Contrary to false reports that have been circulating, FedEx is not participating in any delegation to Northern Cyprus. Conneks, an independent service provider that FedEx uses, is participating in the event but is not representing FedEx. FedEx regrets any confusion caused by these inaccurate reports and trusts that future reports in the media will clarify that Conneks’ participation is separate from any services it provides on behalf of FedEx. FedEx fully supports the ongoing peaceful resolution of political issues regarding Cyprus."

Also, in a letter to Foreign Minister George Iacovou, Vice President of Oracle, Alfonso Di Ianni, said the firm had never taken a formal decision to participate in such a visit and pointed out that the company respects Cyprus legislation and European Union law.

Additionally, AHI has learned that El Paso Corporation did not participate in this trip. El Paso stated it "has no plans to visit Cyprus or any place in that part of the world."

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For additional information, please contact C. Franciscos Economides at (202) 785-8430 or at pr@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the activities of AHI, please view our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.