The Government is now expecting from Troika (IMF, EC, ECB), to determine the exact date of their arrival to Cyprus, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said.
Speaking after the meeting Cyprus President Demetris Christofias held on Thursday with the leaders of the political parties, Stephanou said that the Government has sent today all the clarifications and answers that Troika demanded from the Republic of Cyprus, and the Government is now expecting Troika’s reply as regards their arrival to the island. Stephanou wished that this reply will be received in the coming hours.
Stephanou said that during today’s meeting with the political leaders, President Christofias briefed them on the course of talks and contacts between the Government and Troika.
“We are expecting now from Troika to determine a date for their arrival to Cyprus, in order to continue the negotiations with an aim to conclude an agreement for a loan”, he said and expressed hope that Troika’s answer will come soon.
Replying to a question, Stephanou said that the Government has made a very good job in the negotiations with Troika so far, defending its positions on financial and structural issues, such as the Banking sector that constitutes a major part of the negotiations.
Stephanou pointed out that Government and Troika have found common ground on several issues, noting however, that still there are different approaches on a number of other issues.
Government Spokesman expressed certainty that if good will be shown in the negotiations, it would be very helpful in order to conclude a final agreement.
Asked if we can still catch up the landmark of the Eurogroup summit on November 12, Stephanou said that this will be answered when we begin the negotiations with Troika in Cyprus.
However, he said that the Government has alternative solutions in order the Republic of Cyprus to continue fulfill its obligations. “We are examining all the possibilities and we have options and scenarios either Cyprus case will be discussed on Eurogroup meeting on November 12, or not”, he added.
Replying to a question regarding the possibility of default, Spokesman noted that the Government manages to solve all the problems, and especially the financial needs of the Republic of Cyprus. “We are working towards that direction”, he added.
Cyprus applied for financial assistance from the EU bailout mechanism (EFSF/ESM) to recapitilise its banking sector whose liquidity has been depleted as a result of the Greek sovereign debt haircut as well as to cover its fiscal needs.
