Government Expresses Remorse Over Cyprus Airways Closing

Acting Government Spokesman Victoras Papadopoulos stated, "Unfortunately, this was an inevitable outcome, bearing in mind all that has happened over the years under various government, management and employees of the airline," according to Parikiaki.

Papadopoulos discussed how illegal state assistance given to the national air carrier without the authorization from the European Commission on Competition, which was millions of euros, was the major reason that it closed.

The Spokesman described, "We have tried very hard to avert the closure of the airline but unfortunately this was not possible." He claimed that the government will ensure that the Cyprus Airways staff will collect benefits and pensions.

Cypriot Finance Minister Harris Georgiades confirmed that the struggling airline company has been ceased due to its 66 million euro state aid that it owes back. Georgiades commented, "The European Commission decision means that the company is no longer considered to be an active economic entity and will immediately lose its license."

(Source: Parikiaki)