Izmir expectant as EXPO 2015 host to be chosen today

In Paris today, the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) will decide whether Izmir or Milan will host the Expo 2015. BIE members will listen to the final presentations of the two candidate cities and then cast their votes. The results of the vote will be announced at 5 p.m. local time. After the announcement, BIE officials and representatives of the winning host city will hold a joint press conference. State Minister Mehmet Aydin, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul and main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal are both in Paris to extend their support for Izmir. President Abdullah Gul will also go there today to deliver a speech for Izmir.