Cyprus president says country close to bailout agreementNovember 22, 2012 - 15:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Cyprus' president says the crisis-hit country is "very close" to signing an agreement with potential creditors for a bailout to support its troubled banks and to pay its bills, The Associated Press reports. President Dimitris Christofias said in a written statement Thursday, Nov 22, that the "very limited" number of differences that remain could be bridged "very soon." The statement comes a day after Cypriot officials wrapped up a third round of negotiations with the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Christofias didn't specify which issues remain unresolved, but Cypriot officials, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, said they include how proceeds from offshore natural gas finds are managed and the privatization of profitable, state-owned companies. Cyprus asked for international aid in June. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |