APCOM

"The official countdown time keeper for Milan", in view of the 31st March vote for the Expo 2015 venue, was unveiled today in central square Piazza San Babila.

"Milano needs its citizens and their enthusiasm" said vice Mayor Filippo De Corato. "We did all we could, even from a security point of view Milano offers every kind of guarantee" - Moratti's vice added.

The vote will take place in Paris: altogether 140 delegates of the Bureau of International Expositions will cast their vote, deciding if either Milano or the Turkish city Smirne will host the event.

Until that day, Mayor Moratti will be fully engaged in last minute diplomatic missions, primarily in Paris. On the day of the vote, Milanese and institutional representatives - Prime Minister Romano Prodi and Foreign Affairs Minister Massimo D'Alema have yet to confirm their presence - will preside over the event, as well as representatives of the sports, fashion and culture world: the voting will in fact take place in Paris but there will be a video connection most probably in Piazza Argentina, although last details have yet to be defined.

Milan is a candidate city under the theme: Feeding the planet, energy for life. If chosen it will use an area northwest of the city center, in the municipalities of Rho and Pero. The actual fair complex, designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas would connect to a 210 hectare area in Arese, next to the fair.