VADUZ, Liechtenstein (AP) — Liechtenstein said yesterday it is "somewhat astonished" that German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck has renewed tax evasion allegations against the Alpine principality despite its offer of complete cooperation.

A government statement said Liechtenstein has been engaged for two months in "constructive discussions" with Germany over its offer to accept global anti-tax-haven standards and even to allow for taxation of German assets in Liechtenstein.

"Against the backdrop of these constructive talks so far, we are somewhat astonished by the accusations now levelled by Minister Steinbrueck that Liechtenstein is encouraging tax evasion," said Prime Minister Klaus Tschuetscher.

In Brussels earlier this week, Steinbrueck renewed his criticism of Liechtenstein and neighbour Switzerland for continuing to provide tax havens for wealthy Germans.

Steinbrueck flippantly compared Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein with one of the world's poorest nations, Burkina Faso, because the four European nations had boycotted talks on tax evasion last year.

Liechtenstein said it was ready for formal negotiations to start soon with Germany.

But the country is concerned "about polemical accusations since they lead to lasting political damage that no one in Europe should be interested in causing," Tschuetscher said.