In a telephone conversation with the leader of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias,
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to resolve the Cyprus problem
in accordance with UN resolutions, RIA Novosti reports,
citing the press service of the Kremlin.
"In discussing the Cyprus problem, Vladimir Putin stressed the need to
find ways to resolve it in the interests of both communities of Cyprus
and in accordance with UN decisions," the press office said.
Putin and the Cypriot leader discussed the prospects of further
cooperation in the economic and financial spheres in the context of the
crisis in the eurozone.
In June, Cyprus became the fifth country in the eurozone to request
assistance from the EU and the IMF. According to various estimates,
the island may need around 10 billion euros, while its total GDP amounts to 18
billion euros. This money will go to finance the budget deficit and
recapitalize the banks of the island.
Cyprus is also negotiating with Russia on the provision of an interstate loan.
