RULING DIKO has slammed the fourth version of the United Nations plan, describing it as a ratification of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus.
At the same time the Church of Cyprus reiterated its appeal to the people to vote against the plan, but other political figures were mote cautious in their approach.
In a written statement following a lengthy National Council meeting in Switzerland, the DIKO deputy chairman charged that the plan “ignored and bypassed the rights of the Cypriot people and effectively ratified the results of the Turkish invasion and occupation.
“We consider the UN Secretary-general and his associates’ proposals unacceptable, provocative and offensive,” Nicos Cleanthous said.
He added that DIKO did not accept Kofi Annan’s proposals, adding that the rights of the people would not be sacrificed to appease foreigners and appease the conqueror.
EDEK honorary chairman Vassos Lyssarides said the plan was much worse than the previous one and noted that it was insulting for people to say that there were improvements for the Greek Cypriot side.
He said that what was happening was not to the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots but to the benefit of Turkey.
Paphos Bishop Chrysostomos reiterated the Church’s call for the people to reject the plan, which he described as a monstrosity.
He said those who had drafted it should be ashamed because it was the same people who were there to protect the rights of democracy and freedom.
Chrysostomos added that since the international community did not care about the basic principles of justice and freedom, then the Church would openly and honestly urge the people to vote against the plan.
Former president George Vassiliou had a more cautious approach.
He said the plan did not satisfy the Greek Cypriot demands, adding, however, that it could change through negotiation.
“The plan does not satisfy our demands, but we want to hope that through negotiation we will achieve a better result,” Vassiliou said.
He added: “I haven’t got the slightest doubt that the solution will be to the benefit of the Cypriots and the whole surrounding area.”
