 |
|
Greeks stand outside a Cypriot bank branch that remains shut in central Athens, Greece, March 19, 2013. Following Eurogroup's decision on Saturday to impose an emergency levy on deposits in Cyprus banks in return of international bailout financing to stave off disorderly bankruptcy at the Mediterranean Sea island, Greece takes steps to protect the Greek banking system and assist Cyprus in coordination with Cypriot authorities. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
|
ATHENS, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot banks' branches operating in Greece will remain closed to Thursday and the trading of their shares at the Athens Stock Exchange has been suspended until further notice, Greek authorities announced on Tuesday.
Following Eurogroup's decision on Saturday to impose an emergency levy on deposits in Cyprus banks in return of international bailout financing to stave off disorderly bankruptcy at the Mediterranean Sea island, Greece takes steps to protect the Greek banking system and assist Cyprus in coordination with Cypriot authorities.
"The levy in Cyprus is a one-off ... I can assure you that there is no danger for deposits in Greece," Greek Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras assured once again in Athens after a Eurogroup teleconference held on Monday evening.
The Greek official also repeated that the branches of the Bank of Cyprus, the Hellenic Bank and the Cyprus Popular Bank will be absorbed by a Greek lender once the Cypriot parliament will decide on the terms of the bailout aid.
In line with Cypriot authorities the Greek Finance Ministry announced that branches of Cypriot banks in Greece will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, while the Athens Stock Exchange suspended the trading of their shares since Tuesday morning.
Later on Tuesday afternoon Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is scheduled to hold a meeting with the leaders of the two other parties participating in Greece's government coalition to discuss developments in Cyprus.
|
