USA: SWISS AMBASSADOR 'NAZI MONEY IN SWISS BANKS' PRESS CONFERENCE

Описание: (30 Oct 1996) English/Nat

Switzerland's U-S Ambassador is urging Congress, the news media and Jewish organizations not to jump to conclusions regarding allegations made against Swiss Banks that they mishandled money during World War II.

During a press conference at the Swiss Embassy in Washington D-C, Ambassador Carlo Jagmetti discussed the banks' role in dealing with Nazis during and after World War Two.

In recent weeks, allegations made by Holocaust survivors that Swiss banks mishandled their money during World War Two has become a heated topic.

U-S Ambassador to Switzerland, Carlo Jagmetti, told members of the media that the nation's leaders are taking the accusations very seriously.

Currently, three separate investigations are underway.

SOUNDBITE:
"I believe it necessary to reiterate the total commitment of the Swiss authorities to establish the truth and nothing but the truth, as so far to witnesses, records and documents will permit."
SUPER CAPTION: Ambassador Carlo Jagmetti, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland

Jewish groups say over seven (b) billion dollars (U-S) in assets and interest belong to them.

But banks report only 32 (m) million dollars (U-S) in unclaimed assets.

During World War Two many European Jews opened Swiss bank accounts to hide their funds as the Nazi's rose to power.

Ambassador Jagmetti said that the banks and government are cooperating in the investigations.

SOUNDBITE:
"For this Parliament Decree there is no objection from the banks and I think the interest is now shared by all Swiss, being the government, being Parliament, being the electorate and all the banks. We want now to get the truth and we want to deal with it. And if we have to lift the bank secrecy for these cases for five years, we'll do it."
SUPER CAPTION: Ambassador Carlo Jagmetti, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland

The full investigation into this matter is expected to be lengthy.

The Ambassador says it appears Parliament will lift the bank secrecy ban while the investigation is underway.

The final report is expected by 1998.

SOUNDBITE:
"Everything that comes up and is proved will be handled swiftly because if the proof is there, the customer of the bank can just go there. And get the money out of the account, provided there is an account, there is money in it, there is a minimum of proof that person is entitled. There is no, there is no obstacle to that."
SUPER CAPTION: Ambassador Jagmetti

Meanwhile in the United States, Congress is expected to hold hearings on the allegations.

The House Banking Committee plans to address how Swiss Banks operated before, during and after World War Two.

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