NICOSIA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus will launch a campaign as of this weekend for the introduction of euro as part of intensified preparations to enter the euro zone next year, government officials announced here on Tuesday.

    The campaign is aimed at arousing awareness of the public regarding the euro and the changes and benefits it will bring.

    Cypriot Finance Minister Michalis Sarris told reporters that Cyprus' successful accession to the euro zone is based on two main pillars.

    "The first pillar concerns the preparation of the Cypriot economy in order to fulfill the Maastricht criteria, and the second deals with the successful information campaign for the citizens," he said.

    An advertising company has been assigned to run the campaign. Special consideration will be given to vulnerable groups, such as small businesses, people living in rural areas, retired and elderly people, foreigners residing in Cyprus.

    The aim is to prepare the Cypriot society as a whole in order to achieve a smooth transition to the euro, said Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus Christodoulos Christodoulou.

    The Republic of Cyprus became an EU member in May 2004. The Cypriot government has formally applied to join the euro zone on Jan. 1, 2008.

    EU institutions are expected to assess the island's economy in March and April before the European Council decides on this issue in June this year.

Related:

EU says Cyprus applies to join euro zone

   BRUSSELS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus has formally applied to join the euro zone, the European Commission confirmed on Tuesday.

   "Cyprus has indeed sent in a request for us to look at whether they are ready to join the euro zone," said European Union spokeswoman Amelia Torres at a daily briefing.

    Torres said the EU executive arm and the European Central Bank will in May complete their assessments of euro entry for Cyprus. EU finance ministers will then consider the matter before it goes to leaders for final approval at their June summit.

Cyprus announces to apply to join eurozone

    NICOSIA, Feb.13 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris announced here Tuesday that it has formally applied to join the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2008.

    Sarris told local media that the Cyprus government on Tuesday sent the formal application to European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet and European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

    Concerned EU institutions are expected to assess the Cyprus economy in March and April before the European Council makes a final decision in June this year on the country's accession to the eurozone.