The opening of a casino might be an economic benefit for the island, its operation, however, is socially harmful, left wing party AKEL stated on its announcement released on Monday.

Within the framework of the Commerce Minister’s contacts with the political parties’ leaders to discuss the opening of a casino in Cyprus, AKEL General Secretary, Demetris Christofias said his “first no”.

On its announcement, AKEL reported that Mr. Christofias analyzed the reasons why his party is opposed to the opening of a casino on the island, taking into account the crisis in the values of the Cyprus society.

According to AKEL, the Commerce Minister assured the party that the government has not decided yet on the issue, but it will proceed to a survey on the social impacts from the opening of a casino.

Both parties agreed that they will have contacts on a regular basis.