The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have reportedly shown keen interest in funding a $25 billion agreement to the Cyprus problem, it was reported on Saturday.
According to Turkish newspaper Milliyet, the matter was discussed during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this month and was the most important topic on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s agenda.
In a working dinner, he sat with World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, who reportedly said he would be extending his support.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide had, according to the article, sent a letter to the IMF and World Bank requesting technical support following the joint request by President Nicos Anastasiades and Akinci.
Both then sent representatives to Cyprus who met with negotiators from each side and specialists on economic matters.
Earlier this month, the US Department of Treasury’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia Daleep Singh arrived on the island where he met Finance Minister Harris Georgiades, Deputy Minister to the President Constantinos Petrides and Central Bank authorities.
According to the report, he also met the ‘finance minister’ in the occupied areas, with the USA reacting positively to paying compensation with a long term loan.
Akinci also reportedly discussed financing of a Cyprus problem with UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, Vice president of the USA Joe Biden and British Prime Minister David Cameron, all who gave positive responses.
“There will need to be a strong, collective effort from the international community both from a financial aspect and a technical one. It is good to have international support by our side. In Davos we gave a message and received a message.
“From the message we received we understand they will give us this support. Besides, works have already begun on the cost of the solution,” Akinci told the paper .
“With the solution there will be economic growth, investments will increase, there will be a system which will be integrated with the international economy.”
Milliyet, citing sources, said Biden told both leaders to find a solution and receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
“The two leaders which will receive the Nobel Peace Prize met in Davos,” he reportedly said to which Akinci apparently responded “a solution is my priority.”
CNA
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