European Council President starts visit in Cyprus
The President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy visits Tuesday Cyprus, where in a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades will discuss the economy and the Cyprus issue. Rompuy, accompanied by his spouse, arrived Monday evening in Cyprus.
Rompuy visits Cyprus for the first time after the agreement between the Cypriot authorities and the Troika (EC, ECB and the IMF) last March on a €10 billion bailout. The programme featured a conversion of uninsured deposits to capital in a bid to recapitalise the island`s largest lender, Bank of Cyprus, whereas Cyprus Popular Bank, the island’s second largest bank is to be wound down.
At the same time, Anastasiades who was elected last February aspires to give a new impetus and momentum to the Cyprus issue after a deadlock in the negotiation talks in order to find a settlement that will reunite the country, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.
On Tuesday at 8.30 (local time), Rompuy will meet with President Anastasiades and their tête-à-tête meeting will be followed by consultations between the two sides’ delegations.
According to an official announcement, during the meeting they will discuss developments concerning the Cyprus issue, the state of the island’s economy and that of Eurozone members, matters to be discussed at the next EU Summit and other regional issues.
At 10.00 Anastasiades and Rompuy will hold a joint press conference.
At 10.30, the President of the European Council will visit the University of Cyprus, where he will give a lecture.
At noon, the President of the Republic will host an official lunch in honor of Rompuy and his spouse. The European Council President and his delegation will depart from Cyprus later at 14.15.
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