President Christofias: Cyprus is not for sale

The island of Cyprus is not for sale, President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias, underlined Tuesday, replying to a question after today’s meeting with the political parties on the economy.

“Cyprus island is not for sale. And the Cypriot people have dignity and don’t challenge me with such provocative questions” was the President’s answer to a foreign journalist’s remark “I heard that the island is for sale”.

The Cyprus government informed on Monday the appropriate European authorities of its decision to submit to euro area member states a request of financial assistance from the EFSF/ESM.

According to an official announcement issued yesterday, the purpose of the required assistance is to contain the risks to the Cypriot economy, notably those arising from the negative spillover effects through its financial sector, due to its large exposure to the Greek economy.

"The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has today informed the appropriate European Authorities of its decision to submit to euro area Member States a request of financial assistance from the EFSF/ESM," the announcement of the Republic of Cyprus had said.