Paphos is finally the city that was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2017.The announcement of the result was made in the afternoon, at the Ministry of Education and Culture, following a relevant decision of the European selection committee for the European Capital of Culture 2017.
Nicosia also claimed the anointing of the Capital of Culture, while Limassol also participated in the first round of the process, which, however, was excluded after a decision of the selection committee.
In his speech, after the announcement of the result, the Mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas said that "today is a great day for Paphos, both our city and our province", adding that the decision of the independent commission to propose Paphos as the city of Cyprus to be declared the European Capital of Culture is a maximum honor for the city that has the privilege to represent today.
At the same time, he said that it is a great station, but also a great starting point for a difficult course that will end formally in 2017.
"In big moments, big words and exaggerations are not appropriate. In this spirit, I want to address from the bottom of my heart the congratulations and thanks of the Municipal Council of Paphos to all those who worked with passion and vision for the last two years to set up the candidacy and turn the dream into reality ", said the Mayor of Paphos.
Moreover, Mr. Vergas expressed his sincere respect for the candidacy of Nicosia and reiterated the intention and the will of the Municipality of Paphos to cooperate with the capital and the other major cities of Cyprus, in order to carry out the heavy work that is expected to be assigned to them.
As he said, "neither localism, nor expediencies and other interests have a place in this historically important effort and challenge", noting that the institutions and citizens of Paphos Province will work collectively, responsibly and with passion to succeed.
On his part, the Mayor of Nicosia, Konstantinos Giorkatzis, congratulated Paphos, its Mayor, the Municipal Council and all the Paphites, who assured them that Nicosia will be by their side in this difficult, but also national effort.
"Nicosia," he said, "will continue its journey to redefine the future of the city and we wish the state to stand by us."
In addition, he thanked all those who worked hard to prepare the proposal, with which Nicosia would claim the anointing of the European Capital of Culture 2017.
In statements after the announcement of the result, the Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demosthenous said that "We must congratulate Paphos, stand by it and we as a Ministry to support it with all our forces."
The Minister of Education also said that in the context of the promotion of Paphos as European Capital of Culture 2017, the amount of five million euros has been provided to support and enhance the operating costs of this effort.
However, he added that what should be understood by all is that all cities, all citizens and the whole place should support Paphos, because at the moment the evolution and development of Paphos is not at stake, but it is a bet for Cyprus and for its citizens.