BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Three top government Cypriot officials have said the country’s government has drawn up a new plan to raise funds needed for Cyrpus to secure a crucial international bailout. The new bill could be voted on as early as Thursday evening.

Parliament had resoundingly rejected the previous plan, which involved seizing up to 10 percent of people’s bank deposits. The rejection threw Cyprus’ entire bailout into question. It raised the possibility that the country’s banks could collapse, the government would be unable to pay its bills and Cyprus could be forced out of the euro.

The officials said the new "Plan B" includes some Russian assistance and a smaller bank deposit tax. Cyprus has turned to long-time ally Russia for help, with Finance Minister Michalis Sarris flying to Moscow on Tuesday for meetings and saying he would remain there as long as was required.

(Source: CNTV.cn)