The current economic situation in Cyprus was among the issues Presidents of Russia and Cyprus, Vladimir Putin and Nicos Anastasiades, discussed during a telephone conversation they had on Tuesday.

A press release issued by the Kremlin said Putin and Anastasiades discussed a wide range of issues of their bilateral relations and a number of international problems.

According to the press release, during the conversation, the two Presidents analysed the current economic situation in Cyprus, including within the context of Eurogroup proposals for overcoming the crisis. Nicos Anastasiades briefed Vladimir Putin on the decision recently passed by the Parliament of Cyprus refusing the bailout deal proposed by Eurogroup, while on his part, Vladimir Putin once again expressed concern about possible measures that could harm the interests of Russian legal entities and citizens.

During the conversation, the Presidents of Russia and Cyprus agreed to continue consultations on this issue both in a bilateral format and with the European Commission. In accordance with the arrangements made by the two leaders, Cyprus Finance Minister and other high-ranking officials will visit Moscow on Wednesday, it is added.

Moreover, it is noted, Putin confirmed Russia’s principled position on the settlement of Cyprus dispute. The President of Russia also congratulated his Cypriot counterpart on being elected President of the Republic of Cyprus and invited Nicos Anastasiades to visit Russia at any time convenient for him.

The telephone conversation was initiated by the Cypriot side.

The Cypriot House plenary rejected Tuesday a draft bill on Cyprus` bailout agreement that provided for an unprecedented levy to be imposed on savings in Cyprus banks (haircut) with 36 votes against and 19 abstentions.