Cyprus, creditors secure agreement toward bailout

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

BRUSSELS — A diplomat says Cyprus and its international creditors have agreed on the key elements of an agreement that paves the way for the nation to receive a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) bailout.

The European Union diplomat said early Monday that Cyprus’ second-largest bank, Laiki, will be restructured and holders of bank deposits of more than 100,000 euros will have to take losses.

The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity pending the official announcement, did not elaborate on how much large deposit holders would lose. Making them take a hit is expected to net several billion euros, thus reducing the amount of rescue loans the country needs.

He said the agreement between Cyprus, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission still needs approval by the 17-nation eurozone’s finance ministers.