Cypriot President to participate in European Council

 President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, departs today for Brussels to participate in the European Council.

The EU -27 heads of state and government will mainly discuss the world financial crisis.

President of the European Commission Manuel Barroso has said that the EU Council will address three major issues: the economic recovery, climate change and the Lisbon Treaty.

The EU Council is the last to take place during the current six-monthly EU rotating presidency, which France holds at present.

The Czech Republic will assume the EU presidency in January next year.

The Republic of Cyprus became a full EU member state in May 2004.