The president of Cyprus says he took 'painful decisions to save the country from bankruptcy' after having come a 'breath away' from collapse.

President Nicos Anastasiades admitted the eurozone bailout deal he struck in Brussels was painful but pledged that Cyprus "would find its feet again".

A 10-billion-euro bailout was provided to the Island by the EU averting a chaotic eurozone exit.

A partial reopening of the banks begins tomorrow after a ten day shutdown.