The government is working non-stop in order to successfully conclude negotiations for a rescue package, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said, ahead of a European Council and a Eurozone leaders Summit.
In a written statement issued here, on W e d n e s d a y, Stylianides stresses that the government will not negotiate publically and will inform citizens as soon as there are new developments.
“The situation is difficult but there is no reason for panic”, the Cypriot Spokesman says, reiterating the government’s assurance that a bank deposits ‘haircut’ or further cuts in payroll and pensions are not up for discussion.
Stylianides stresses that “President Anastasiades and the government are working incessantly for the successful completion of talks and a memorandum to be signed, as soon as possible, in order to put an end to the uncertainty”.
"The government is socially sensitive not only in theory but in practice”, he points out, adding that “this will be confirmed by the results”.
Stylianides further highlights that “already better conditions are forming”.
“The government believes that its status and credibility in the international and European arena will lead to the creation of conditions for a new beginning of growth, progress and prospect”, he adds.
The Cyprus President departs later today for Brussels, accompanied by Minister of Finance Michalis Sarris, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides and Under Secretary to the President Constantinos Petrides.
Cyprus FM Ioannis Kasoulides is already in Brussels.
“The aim is to create a positive atmosphere ahead of the final negotiations in context of the European People’s Party Summit, at the European Council and at the Eurozone Summit”, Stylianides notes.
Whilst in Brussels President Anastasiades will meet with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. He will also have bilateral meetings with other EU member states’ leaders.
The President’s new efforts follow his recent visit to Greece.
Other government officials will also follow up with visits to other countries.
Excluded from international capital markets, Cyprus has requested financial assistance from the EU bailout mechanism after its two largest banks sought state aid following massive losses of their Greek bond holdings estimated at €4.5 billion, as a result of the Greek sovereign debt haircut.
The Troika and the Cypriot authorities have agreed on a preliminary memorandum of understating which includes the conditions for the granting of the financial assistance programme estimated at €17 billion.
