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SINGAPORE : Genting International and Star Cruises will be able to proceed with the development of the integrated resort at Sentosa.
This is according to a statement from Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry on Tuesday.
But whether or not the consortium will get a licence to operate a casino there is a separate issue altogether - and is subject to suitability checks.
The Ministry's statement is interesting on two counts.
It answers questions as to whether the Genting group can proceed with the Sentosa integrated resort - but, at the same time, it also suggests the consortium may not get to operate the casino if it does not pass the checks.
There has been much speculation over the integrated resort at Sentosa since Genting International and Star Cruises announced a tie-up in Macau last month.
They agreed to buy into a casino and hotel project in the former Portuguese enclave and Star Cruises would sell a 7.25 percent stake to a group of investors led by gaming tycoon Stanley Ho.
But the deal caught the attention of Singapore officials.
Reports suggested that there were concerns over the role that Mr Ho would play in the Sentosa project.
There was talk that Genting and Star Cruises might have to walk away from the Macau deal or risk losing their licence to build the Sentosa integrated resort.
The latest statement has made it clear that the right to develop the Sentosa project is separate from the right to run a casino there.
Genting and Star Cruises are due to sign the development licence on March 1st.
The Home Affairs Ministry says whether the consortium is eligible for the licence will depend on whether it is suitable.
Such checks will be conducted before the licence is issued and the Ministry has asked for the necessary forms to be submitted.
It also says the consortium and its associates are required to remain suitable even after the licence has been issued.
The casino licence is issued under the Casino Control Act.
The same conditions will apply to the integrated resort at Marina Bay. - CNA/ch
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