Issue of Cyprus, economy & energy to top Anastasiades' talks in Athens

The developments on the Cyprus issue, as well as economic and energy issues will dominate the talks that Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades will have in Athens, where he will pay an official visit on Friday. According to Cyprus government spokesman Nikos Christodoulides, Anastasiades is planning to brief Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on the developments in the Cyprus issue and the imminent resumption of talks. Christodoulides said that the Greek Cypriot side is more than ready for the third phase of the negotiations.

Christodoulides said that there will also be talks on economic issues, including Nicosia's request for the lifting of the 26 percent tax, imposed by the Greek government on imports of goods and services. The spokesman said that according to the indications so far, Athens will respond positively to the request. Energy issues will also be discussed while the two sides will decide upon their next steps.

On his part, Tsipras is expected to brief Anastasiades on the progress of the negotiations that Athens is having with the institutions of the European Union.

ANA-MPA