PARIS (AP) — The Turkish town of Mersin has been chosen to host the 2013 Mediterranean Games after Greece was stripped of the event because of financial problems.

The International Committee of Mediterranean Games says Mersin was elected ahead of Tarragona, Spain; and Tripoli, Libya. All three cities stepped up as alternatives after Greece lost the hosting rights in January.

The 2013 games were due to be held in Volos and Larissa until Greece wanted to slash its budget because of financial problems.

Mersin was elected in the first round with an absolute majority of votes, the CIJM said.

.