Cyprus will require up to 10 billion euros in aid for banks: document

Cyprus will require up to 10 billion euros ($13 billion) to refinance its banks, severely affected by the euro zone debt crisis and exposure to Greece, according to a draft deal with international lenders seen by Reuters on Friday.

The deal, contingent on approval from euro zone finance ministers and national parliaments, also states that the objective of the adjustment program with the Mediterranean island is to achieve a primary balance of 4.0 percent of GDP in 2016.

"Noting that the European Banking Authority (EBA) deadline of 30 June 2012 has been missed by two banks and that public capital support has already been provided to one bank, while the State itself is under financial stress, a bank support facility of up to EUR <10> billion is foreseen under the program, which will also cover potential future capital needs, determined on the basis of a top-down capital exercise, as well as potential resolution costs," the draft deal obtained by Reuters states.

The exact amount per bank would be determined in a due diligence exercise, the report said, while brackets surrounding the recapitalization needs suggested it could be subject to change.

Earlier on Friday, Cypriot Central Bank governor Panicos Demetriades said the amount was an estimate, pending assessments from consultants expected next week.

The document also said the Cypriot central bank would direct all banking groups to increase their minimum Core Tier 1 capital ratio - a measure of financial strength - to 9 percent from 8 percent by December 2013.

A process of on-going fiscal consolidation would seek to achieve a 4.0 percent of GDP primary balance in 2016, "and maintain such a level thereafter", the document stated.

Employees in the public sector would received a scaled reduction in pay from between 6.5 and 12.5 percent, it said.

Cyprus sought aid from the IMF and the EU in June after its banks reported significant losses on a restructuring of Greek debt earlier in the year.

Media reports have suggested that Cyprus's total bailout needs, including fiscal requirements, could reach 17.5 billion euros, virtually the equivalent of its gross domestic product. ($1 = 0.7689 euros)

(Reporting By Michele Kambas; editing by Ron Askew)