Cyprus Minister of Commerce at an EU Development Ministers meeting

Cyprus Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Antonis Paschalides departs tomorrow for Prague, in order to participate in the Informal Meeting of, to be held on 29 – 30 January 2009.

Speaking here today, after a meeting with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Pashalides said that this would be the first meeting of the EU Development Ministers, responsible for Energy issues, under the auspices of the Czech Presidency.

Among the issues to be discussed, will be the decrease of carbon dioxide emissions, Paschalides said, noting that the Republic of Cyprus will ask for exceptions and extensions on the implementation of the regulations.

“We have already taken some exceptions and we will continue to ask for exceptions due to the fact that Cyprus is a small and isolated island, which does not have the opportunity to cooperate with neighbouring countries, just like other European countries do”, he said.

Speaking on the issue of tourism in Cyprus, the Minister said that the Government would announce, in February, an additional package of measures, aiming to offer further support to Cyprus’ tourist industry.

Paschalides stressed that the Government has already announced a package of 29.5 million Euro, as an assistance for the improvement of the Cyprus tourist product.

“Now, the Government will take extra measures to support tourism in Cyprus. The final amount of money to be spend and the specific measures will be announced after their approval by the Council of Ministers”, he concluded.