GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO CALLS FOR ACTION ON PUTATIVE ABRAMOVICH YACHTS

The government says it will await more information before determining how to proceed regarding two yachts reputedly connected to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
There have been calls from some in the United Kingdom for action in line with international sanctions against Russian oligarchs in the wake of their country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. E.P. Chet Greene commented on the issue on Pointe FM Saturday afternoon, indicating the government in St John’s has not received a request from the UK under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or MLAT.
He says the government needs to be certain about the beneficial ownership of the vessels, since acting hastily could expose the country to legal jeopardy.
Minister Greene assures the country will not pursue actions inimical to its interests, but is also reaffirming to the international community Antigua and Barbuda is acting in line with the sanctions regime once all information is provided.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and Organisation of American States, Sir Ronald Sanders had similar comments when he was interviewed by Britain’s Channel 4 this week.
Here is an excerpt of the interview.