Commemorative postage stamps are seen in a shop in San Marino August 12, 2009. San Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A soldier of the "Guard of the Rock" guards government headquarters in San Marino August 12, 2009. San Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A gondola ascends Monte Titano to the old city of San Marino August 12, 2009. San Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS POLITICS) 

Money is counted at the goverment's central bank in San Marino August 12, 2009. San Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A general view shows the government building (L) in San Marino August 12, 2009. SanSan Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS CITYSCAPE POLITICS) 

The 15th century Donjon watch tower looms over San Marino August 12, 2009. San Marino has seen medieval intrigue and papal army invasions in its 1,708-year history, but a modern-day banking scandal and blitz on tax havens risks bringing the world's oldest republic to its knees. From its hilltop perch near Italy's Adriatic coast, the offshore banking centre just a third of the size of Washington D.C. is battling a concatenation of crises -- capped by a money-laundering scandal at its largest bank -- that has forced a frantic rethink of its financial model. Picture taken August 12, 2009. To match feature SANMARINO REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS CITYSCAPE POLITICS) 

Wine is displayed for sale at a shop in San Marino August 12, 2009. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO BUSINESS) 

Wine is displayed for sale at a shop in San Marino August 12, 2009. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini (SAN MARINO MEDIA POLITICS) 

A streaker is stopped by the police during the Euro 2008 Group D qualifying soccer match between Wales and San Marino at the Olympic-Serravalle Stadium in San Marino October 17, 2007. REUTERS/Daniele La Monaca (SAN MARINO) 

Manuel Poggiali of San Marino crashes his KTM during qualifying for the Australian 250cc Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island race track near Melbourne, September 16, 2006. REUTERS/Mark Horsburgh (AUSTRALIA)