Communications and Works Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos has been authorised to seek advice from Eurocontrol and prepare a plan for the creation of the new state company, including the legal framework and method of transfer of the competences of CAD to the new company, without any cost to the state. The restructuring of air traffic control services through the creation of this new company is considered urgent for the sustainability of these services within an ever-changing and growing EU environment, said a cabinet statement. “Apart from the economic benefits, such an organisation can operate flexibly and quickly so Cyprus is able to meet on time its European and international obligations.

In a series of other decisions taken yesterday, cabinet agreed to use hourly-paid workers from the forestry department, agriculture department, veterinary services and institute of agricultural research in a clean-up campaign in various nature areas around Cyprus. The cleaning campaign will take place between October and November this year and next under the supervision of the Environment Department. Deputy government spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos said yesterday that cabinet also discussed the conclusions of the committee of inquiry tasked with looking into the reasons behind the near collapse of the economy.

The council of ministers decided to send the completed report to the Attorney-general to examine in the light of any possible criminal offences. During the meeting, chaired by the President, the decision was also taken to make the report public. It is believed the report will be released to the public by the committee on Monday. Cabinet also decided to continue paying a monthly allowance of €515 to 108 artists over 63 years of age and who in 2010 earned a maximum salary of €1,000.

Source: Cyprus Mail