ROME, May 22 (Xinhua) -- An Italian official said on Monday that Taormina city of Sicily Island was ready to host the Group-7 summit to be held on upcoming Friday and Saturday.
Italy's cabinet undersecretary Maria Elena Boschi made the remarks in Taormina earlier in the day, according to Ansa news agency.
"Italy is ready to present itself to the world," Boschi told a press conference. She said the summit was moved from Florence to Taormina and "we overcame all the dated stereotypes" after there was a comment about the mafia in Sicily.
According to Boschi, the Sicilian city is ready for the G-7 summit by "respecting the work schedule without postponements and with the necessary funds."
Boschi also said the authorized demonstrations must respect the law.
The summit would be particular interesting for its "international picture", including new French president Emmanuel Macron, she added.
Meanwhile, local media said Taormina is already an armored fortress protected by around 7,000 military personnel and security corps as the security has been the priority for the summit.
Some 11,000 citizens in Taormina -- only residents, workers for certain businesses and people related to the summit -- will be allowed to enter the city between May 22 and May 29, according to local authorities.
The Taormina summit will be attended by the heads of state or government from Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Italy holds current presidency of the Group of Seven nations.
