President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades will send letters to the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, in which he will stress the need for a change of the European policy on Cyprus, by providing the country with additional help.
In statements to journalists, President Anastasiades said that in the letters he is expected to send today to the President of the European Commission Jose Barroso and the President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy, will stress the need for a change of the EU policy on Cyprus, by providing the country with additional help, “in view of the crucial moments we go through which are the result of the economic crisis and the measures imposed on us”.
Later on, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides clarified that the Cypriot government has not requested additional financial assistance under the Memorandum with the Troika. In a written statement, Stylianides clarified that “what the President of the Republic is discussing with European officials is the possibility of increasing European funds, for growth and social cohesion”.
President Anastasiades was also asked why Cyprus’ total rescue package has jumped in the last three months to 23 billion euro from 17 billion euro, he replied: "I do not think it is in the last three months. There has been a major delay, which led us here. But we will address the problem"
The Cypriot President said he would also reply to a letter he received Thursday by President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi. Anastasiades underlined that the procedure, which began in the House of Representatives regarding the Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus Panikos Demetriades is not necessarily a process to dismiss the Governor.
Anastasiades noted that in his letter to Draghi, he would explain that in a presidential republic system, “powers are distinct and the parliament has the responsibility to control the state officials”.
He also clarified that this does not mean that it is a process to dismiss the Governor of the Central Bank, adding that Mr Draghi has been misinformed.
