VOA标准英语2013--Cyprus Parliament Passes Financial Measures, Future Uncertain

Cyprus Parliament Passes Financial Measures, Future Uncertain

Banks remain closed in Cyprus. But customers still line up at ATM machines trying to withdraw cash. Many fear they could lose their savings¹ if the banks fail. British businessman Terry Conard was lucky to withdraw the maximum - just a little more than $300.

"I am worried in terms of company money that is being transferred from overseas whether I'll ever get my hands on it, but we'll see," said Conard.

Cyprus banks are in trouble because many were heavily invested in Greek government bonds. After rejecting an unpopular plan that would have taxed all depositors, the country's lawmakers say most of the new taxes will be levied² on larger deposits. Other measures include the breakup of key banks to redistribute bad assets. 

Bank director Takis Phidias believes the measures are unfair.

"I am not quite sure why the Eurogroup is willing to allow a very small population in a small island, in Cyprus, to suffer tremendously because of the wrongdoings that have taken place - mainly our voluntary participation³ in the rescue of the Greek nation," said Phidias.

Less than a million people live in Cyprus. But a financial disaster here could spread quickly.

Bankrate.com's Greg Mcbride spoke⁴ with VOA via Skype. "They're less than one percent of the European economy. So Cyprus themselves, very, very small. The risk with this whole Cyprus situation is if it were to spread to other markets, like a Spain or an Italy, because then, all of a sudden, that type of a contagion⁵ can have ramifications⁶ globally."

Cyprus' ruling party is optimistic the new measures will be acceptable to the European Union. Without a final deal by Monday, some economists⁷ says the country's membership in the 17-nation currency union may be in doubt. 

1 savings   

n.存款，储蓄

参考例句：

• I can't afford the vacation,for it would eat up my savings.我度不起假，那样会把我的积蓄用光的。
• By this time he had used up all his savings.到这时，他的存款已全部用完。

2 levied   

征（兵）( levy的过去式和过去分词 )； 索取； 发动（战争）； 征税

参考例句：

• Taxes should be levied more on the rich than on the poor. 向富人征收的税应该比穷人的多。
• Heavy fines were levied on motoring offenders. 违规驾车者会遭到重罚。

3 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

4 spoke   

n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说

参考例句：

• They sourced the spoke nuts from our company.他们的轮辐螺帽是从我们公司获得的。
• The spokes of a wheel are the bars that connect the outer ring to the centre.辐条是轮子上连接外圈与中心的条棒。

5 contagion   

n.(通过接触的疾病)传染；蔓延

参考例句：

• A contagion of fear swept through the crowd.一种恐惧感在人群中迅速蔓延开。
• The product contagion effect has numerous implications for marketing managers and retailers.产品传染效应对市场营销管理者和零售商都有很多的启示。

6 ramifications   

n.结果，后果( ramification的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• These changes are bound to have widespread social ramifications. 这些变化注定会造成许多难以预料的社会后果。
• What are the ramifications of our decision to join the union? 我们决定加入工会会引起哪些后果呢？ 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》