The House Plenary ratified on Thursday the implementation agreement between the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and the Government of the United States, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the prevention and combat of serious crime.

This agreement, originally signed in Nicosia in 2015, was approved by the Cypriot Cabinet last July. It serves as one of the prerequisites for Cyprus' inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.

The agreement enables both parties to utilize data search powers as outlined in the PCSC (Preventing and Combating Serious Crime) Agreement. This allows for the exchange of information about individuals whose details are found in the databases mentioned in Article 3(5) of the agreement.

The main objective is to determine whether these individuals have committed, are suspected of committing, or are being investigated for serious crimes. It also covers those who have been charged with or convicted of such crimes and who, as a result, pose a threat to public safety. This threat assessment is particularly relevant when these individuals seek entry into either country or apply for visas or other immigration-related benefits.

The agreement also establishes protocols for automated searches of biometric data. For the United States, this involves accessing all relevant records maintained by the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) of the Department of Homeland Security, or its successor, subject to applicable US laws and policies.

For Cyprus, the agreement applies to all appropriate data available in the biometric database of the Automated Fingerprint Recognition System maintained by the Cyprus Police, or any successor system, in compliance with Cypriot laws and policies.