PAPHOS - President of the House of Representatives Yiannakis Omirou has called on Cyprus` European partners, especially the Eurozone members and in particular Germany, to respond to the request of the Republic of Cyprus for a bailout, taking into consideration that the problems the country`s economy is facing was the result of a European Council decision for the impairment of the Greek debt.

He also said Cyprus was much better than many European countries in combating money laundering.

Referring to the dire economic situation of Cyprus, Omirou said the EU should have protected the economy when taking the decision for a Greek debt haircut, adding that "we are in the EU because we believed and continue to believe that it is a political and financial structure based on the principles of justice, democracy, human rights and solidarity among states and peoples."

Omirou referred to the objections voiced on various EU levels, mainly Germany, regarding lending Cyprus, by promoting unfounded allegations concerning money laundering.

The figures submitted indicate that Cyprus is more efficient in combating money laundering than many other European countries, including Germany, Omirou pointed out.