ENGLISH SECTION
19/02/2025 | 05:32
Two MEPs have raised the issue of “wasting United States funds in Cyprus through USAID” with Elon Musk: They are looking for the “money” that promoted the Annan plan…
MEPs Emmanuel Frangos and Geadis Geadis are asking him to intervene with Elon Musk, who has been tasked with uncovering the billions spent by the “sinful” USAID around the world, and are asking him for information about funds wasted by the United States in Cyprus.
The United States Agency for International Development has been accused for many years of having used American dollars to influence Greek Cypriots to vote in favor of the pro-Turkish Annan plan in the 2004 referendum.
In the letter to Mr. Musk the two MEPs write:
During the early 2000s, USAID was a key financial backer of efforts to promote the controversial Annan Plan, a proposed settlement to the Cyprus issue, which was ultimately rejected by the Greek Cypriot majority in a 2004 referendum.
Reports suggest that USAID directed tens of millions of dollars – through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other intermediaries – toward initiatives aimed at shaping public opinion in favour of the (Annan) plan.
Several journalists investigated the scandal using FOIA and discovered several classified documents concerning the funds, but the US government either censored the findings or – in the end – did not release them, as it should have, for alleged reasons of US national security.
Unfortunately, American diplomats conspired with United Nations officials to launder millions of dollars of the American organization through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the very problematic UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services).
According to the journalists, the money was American but appeared in Cyprus as United Nations funds.
In their letter to Elon Musk, the two MEPs state:
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
EUROPEAN CONSERVATIVE AND REFORMISTS GROUP
Tuesday, 18th February 2025
Mr. Elon Musk
Department of Government Efficiency
United States Federal Government
Subject: Misallocation of U.S. Funds in Cyprus by USAID
Dear Mr. Musk,
We have taken notice of your firm stance on government transparency and efficiency, particularly regarding the misuse of federal funds through agencies such as USAID. Given your past statements and concerns about its operations, we would like to formally bring to your attention a historical case of potential financial misallocation in Cyprus.
During the early 2000s, USAID was a key financial backer of efforts to promote the controversial Annan Plan, a proposed settlement to the Cyprus issue, which was ultimately rejected by the Greek Cypriot majority in a 2004 referendum.
Reports suggest that USAID directed tens of millions of dollars – through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other intermediaries – toward initiatives aimed at shaping public opinion in favour of the plan.
This included the funding of NGOs, media campaigns, and academic initiatives designed to influence local perspectives, potentially crossing ethical lines regarding foreign interference in democratic processes.
Given your ongoing efforts to expose inefficiencies and corrupt practices within federal agencies, we see it as a mutual interest if your department reviews past USAID allocations to Cyprus and discloses any findings regarding potential financial improprieties or wasteful spending.
We would greatly appreciate any insights, reports, or investigative steps your office could take on this matter.
Sincerely,
Geadis Geadi
Emmanouil Fragkos
