Cyprus up to date in preparations for EU presidency

Head of the Cyprus EU Presidency Office Andreas Moleskis said on Tuesday that the Republic of Cyprus was up to date in its preparations in view of undertaking the EU rotating presidency in the second half of 2012.

Replying to questions after a meeting with President of the House of Representatives and President of the Democratic Party Marios Garoyian, Moleskis said what remains to be done concerning building infrastructure was the renovation of the Conference Centre and Philoxenia Hotel, in Nicosia.

Moleskis noted that procedures for tenders were already underway and that the aim was to have everything ready by the end of 2011, and said he was pleased that ''assistance and support are given by the House of Representatives.''

''The aim of the Cypriot presidency of the EU is a national concern, it is a common objective. It is neither the government's nor the House's but of the Cypriot society,'' he added.

Moleskis thanked Garoyian and his associates and noted that ''we are leaving the meeting strengthened and with our faith renewed that we will be holding a truly successful EU presidency.''

Garoyian said it appears that ''a great job has been done so far,'' and expressed certainty that ''we will be a very successful presidency.''

Cyprus joined the EU in May 2004. This will be the first time Nicosia will hold the six-monthly rotating presidency.