The capital Nicosia and the city of Paphos, on the western coast, have submitted to the Ministry of Education and Culture their proposals for the second phase of the European capital of culture in 2017.

Nicosia’s Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis and his team arrived Thursday at the Ministry of Culture in buses bearing the official slogan “Get in the Zone” after a symbolic route through the areas of Nicosia which are included in plans to upgrade and revitalize them.

Yiorkadjis, surrounded by supporters of Nicosia 2017, handed the proposal to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Olympia Stylianou.

In a short statement, the Mayor said the proposal was drafted through active participation, ideas and suggestions of citizens. He expressed the belief that in the years to come, the same energy and determination will be the catalysts for the implementation of the proposal.

On Friday the Ministry of Education welcomed the delegation from Paphos.

The city Mayor Savvas Vergas said Paphos is very proud and excited with the work already done, aiming to give “new life to our city”.

“I believe that our passion will help us get the title”, he added.

According to the Mayor of Paphos, the proposal reflects and expresses the vision of Paphos, not only for today but also for the next decades.

Paphos’ proposal is based on the idea of ​an “Open-Air Factory” bringing culture and the arts close to the people by mixing harmoniously viewers and creators.

One Cypriot and one Danish city will be designated as European Capitals of Culture for 2017. The final selection should take place at the end of Summer 2012. The 2017 European Capitals of Culture will be nominated in May 2013.