The immediate implementation of projects pending for the “Pafos2017- European Capital of Culture” was decided 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, Pafos Mayor Savas Vergas, the Director of the Pafos2017 and other officials from the Pafos district.

In his remarks to the press, Omirou said decisions were taken to implement the projects necessary for the successful outcome of the Pafos2017. “We have reached the conclusion that everyone`s commitment is to decisively and practically support the Pafos2017 project”.

Omirou said that procedures will be speeded up to release 5 million euro 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 Pafos Port to enable cruise ships berth at Pafos something which will boost the city`s tourist and economic development and indirectly help the Pafos2017 aims.

The Minister of Education will be the link between the government and Pafos2017, Omirou added.

Education Minister Kadis said that the government lays special significance to Pafos2017 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 Pafos` cultural life and Cyprus in general.

Pafos mayor Vergas said the implementation of the projects will open up new positions for unemployed young people in the region and will help Pafos` 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 fulfill”, he added.