NICOSIA - A European Central Bank official on Sunday asked President Anastasiades for a decision on a levy on deposits to be taken today, so that commercial banks open on Tuesday, the Cyprus News Agency has reported.
CNA said the request was made as the president was briefing the House Finance Committee on the bailout agreement, including the unprecedented decision to impose a levy on all deposits. The House of Representatives was initially due to vote on the eurogroup decision on Sunday afternoon, but the vote was postponed for 24 hours amid reports the government may not command enough votes to ensure its passage.
According to media reports banks will remain closed at least until Wednesday. There has been no official confirmation. Monday is a bank holiday in Cyprus.
CNA said that the president of the House Finance Committee Nicolas Papadopoulos remains at the Presidential Palace. Several ministers are also there, as are the governor and deputy governor of the Central Bank.