Olympia will be ready for Olympic Torch lighting

"Works for the restoration of Ancient Olympia are proceeding according to the schedule we made and I am personally extremely satisfied. In a little while, we will be able to deliver a restored ancient Olympia to the international community," Liapis underlined during his second visit to the world-renowned monument to inspect the works at close hand.

He said that the torch-lighting ceremony would be held "in the best possible circumstances".

In addition to the works to restore the landscape, the minister also referred to works now underway that were designed to better showcase Ancient Olympia, which he underlined was a symbol of and a monument to Greece's cultural heritage.

Liapis said these projects would be "long-term" and would protect the surrounding region from natural disasters in the best possible way and further highlight its archaeological wealth.

"The political will is there, the money exists and the monitoring of the projects will be direct and on-going, because there is no excuse for delays," the minister added.

While in Olympia, Liapis took part in a meeting attended by local officials and MPs, the head of the Civil Protection General Secretariat Margaritis Mouzas, ministry officials and the heads of state services for archaeological and agricultural issues. Immediately afterward, he visited the Kronios Hill where the bulk of the restoration work is being carried out and spoke with workers.

source - ana