The decision was reached during a meeting at the House of Representatives, chaired by Speaker of the House Yiannakis Omirou. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Haris Georgiades and Education and Culture Minister Costas Kadis, Paphos Mayor Savas Vergas, the Director of the Paphos 2017 and other officials from the district.

In his remarks to the press, Omirou said decisions were taken to implement the projects necessary for the successful outcome of the Paphos 2017.

"We have reached the conclusion that everyone’s commitment is to decisively and practically support the project”.

Omirou said that procedures will be speeded up to release €5 million, which the Cabinet has already approved and that projects, which could be co-funded by the European Union will be presented to the European Commission within July.

He also said that the Ports Authority together with the Communications and Works Ministry will go ahead with building a dock at Paphos Port to enable cruise ships berth - something which will boost the city’s tourist and economic development and indirectly help the Paphos 2017 aims.

The Minister of Education will be the link between the government and Paphos 2017, Omirou added.

Education Minister Kadis said that the government lays special significance to Paphos 2017 and wants the city to succeed and will work with the Council and the Municipality towards this purpose.

This is not merely a target, he said, it is something that will help Paphos cultural life and Cyprus in general.

Paphos mayor Savvas Vergas said the implementation of the projects will open up new positions for unemployed young people in the region and will help Paphos’ economy recover, "something that it really needs”.

On his part, Patsalides thanked Omirou, noting that time is running out. "The Cultural month is a European institution and it is an obligation that Cyprus needs to fulfil,” he added.

Source: Famagusta Gazette