ROME, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The Italian government has appointed a new director general for the archaeological site of Pompeii in a decree aimed at boosting Italy's cultural sector.
Italy's Cabinet approved the decree Friday, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.
"Project Pompeii is a project coordinating initiatives for the archaeological site. It will be overseen by a director general to ensure compliance with the commitments regarding Pompeii, who will also have special superintendence over Herculaneum and Stabia," Italian Culture Minister Massimo Bray said. "Pompeii will become an example of transparency and a positive example of the south."
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization told Italy in June it must either apply a series of measures to protect the 2,000-year-old site or face having Pompeii removed from the World Heritage roster.
UNESCO's threat was withdrawn when Italy indicated it would restore and maintain the archaeological site properly.
Italian Premier Enrico Letta said the decree will give "ample power" to the new director and foresees the "enhancement" of Pompeii.
"It is our responsibility to make the site available for the world," Letta said.
