Brussels, 04/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 4 September, the European Commission initiated a new project to consolidate action already under way to protect cultural heritage in Cyprus. The EU will disburse €2 million for this project aimed at supporting the work carried out by the island's bi-communal technical committee on cultural heritage. “It is very important that both sides continue to work to protect their common cultural heritage”, said Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle. “I strongly support bi-communal initiatives aimed at safeguarding our common heritage for the benefit of future generations”, added European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou. On 22 November 2012, the Commission granted aid of €27.2 million to the Turkish Cypriot community in order to support the economic integration of the island, the general objective being to help prepare for its reunification. Among other things, this funding should preserve Cypriot cultural heritage (see EUROPE 10737). (IL/transl.fl)