The Cyprus government started on Monday the round of negotiations with Alterra Consortium, the main contender for the construction of the new airports in Larnaca and Paphos. Negotiations will be completed in April and should both parties reach an agreement, the government will give the orders for the project to be started.

According to the Transport Minister, Kikis Kazamias, the Paphos Airport will be ready in 2006 while the airport of Larnaca will be delivered in 2007.

The government’s negotiation committee is composed of the General Manager of the Transport Ministry, Simeon Matsis, the General Manager of the Justice Ministry, Lazaros Savvides, a representative of the General Accounts Department, Stelios Kountouris, a representative of the Finance Ministry, Themis Theodosiou and a representative of the Transport Minister, Alecos Michael.

Laiki Investments, Amathus and Caramondani will participate directly or indirectly in the Alterra Consortium.