Kyprianou says his decision to quit is final

OUTGOING Diko Chairman Spyros Kyprianou yesterday pledged his unconditional support for the party he founded in 1976 and has chaired since, but insisted his departure as its leader was final.

In the wake of Kyprianou’s recent swan song announcement, Diko Parliamentary Spokesman Tassos Papadopoulos has said he will seek the chairmanship. Most in the party see him running unopposed.

Kyprianou said he would do all he could to help with the transition as a member of the party and as someone involved in its founding.

Papadopoulos is known to enjoy the backing of Kyprianou, who openly voiced his support for him, making a successful challenge against him unlikely.

Asked if he would accept the post of honorary chairman, Kyprianou said he would have no such thing: "The House of Lords does not become me. I prefer the House of Commons," he said.

Earlier this month, Kyprianou announced his decision not to run again as party chairman, opening the door for Papadopoulos to assume the party leadership.

But when announcing he would no longer seek the party chair, Kyprianou noted he had not decided if he would run as a deputy in the House of Representatives the next general elections.

He said that despite his resignation, there was optimism in the party ranks that Diko would head forward united, adding: "I am here, and I am combat-ready."

Diko Deputy Chairman Nikos Cleanthous yesterday did not rule out running again for the chairmanship, merely saying he had not decided yet.

But he called Papadopoulos’ decision to run "the right diagnosis… at the right time in the party", and echoed Kyprianou’s claim that Diko appeared "now heading for unity".

"With collective action and work, the right conditions were created which resulted in the historic decision by the founder and president of the party" to move aside, Cleanthous said.

Diko Deputy Nicos Pittokopitis said there were two courageous decisions: "First the decision by Spyros Kyprianou not to seek re-election, and last night’s (Monday) courageous decision by Tassos Papadopoulos to run for chairman."

Diko Deputy Nikos Moushiouttas said the leadership change would be smooth with the blessings of party founder Kyprianou.

He said the September electoral conference would not be a coronation ceremony, but he doubted anyone else would run against Papadopoulos. "But even if there is (another contestant), there is no way Mr Papadopoulos would lose," he added.

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