THE GROWING differences among Greek Cypriot political parties over the outcome of the talks yesterday set the scene for what looks set to be an increasingly bitter run-up to the referenda on April 24.
The two big parties, AKEL and DISY, appeared reserved, and have not yet taken a clear position on the plan.
On the other hand DIKO has rejected the solution plan outright while EDEK has focused on the negative points though saying the final decision would be taken at a later stage.
The United Democrats have held an apparently favourable position, while the New Horizons have remained faithful to their initial stance, rejecting the plan.
AKEL general secretary Demetris Christofias said yesterday the fifth version of the UN plan completed the procedure begun in 1999 by the USA, Britain and the UN Secretary-general, in a move away from UN resolutions.
Christofias said since then, pressure had been put on the Greek Cypriot side, peaking in Switzerland this week, but warned that hasty conclusions should not be drawn before the final text was carefully studied and all the parameters taken into consideration.
He added that foreign powers were committed to serving Turkey’s interests and its European prospects, which was why they had turned a deaf ear to Greek Cypriot positions.
They had two choices and they opted for Turkey, Christofias said.
DISY chief Nicos Anastassiades said any comments on the plan should be made when all the aspects were known.
“If you look at the text objectively, you will find out that there is prospect, as well as the hope for survival,” Anastassiades said.
He added that the functionality of the plan was assured and the viability of the state was secured.
Anastassiades said his party would present the plan to the people with honesty and objectivity without slogans.
But the outspoken DISY chief criticised those who he accused of systematically feeding public opinion in an unacceptable manner, creating a negative climate about the plan in an effort to foil a solution.
DIKO, however, yesterday had no reservation in rejecting the plan.
Deputy chairman Nicos Cleanthous said the people’s ‘no’ would be loud and clear.
He criticised the UN procedure, noting that the whole set up proved that the UN were not really interested in negotiations.
Cleanthous said the procedure had violated the New York agreement, resulting in the UN playing the role of the referee and satisfying all of Turkey’s demands.
He said the Greek Cypriot side could not really do anything because the “game was fixed”, adding that efforts for a solution would continue after May 1.
The leader of EDEK said there were no surprises in the new plan, which contained negative provisions regarding the expansion of Turkey’s intervention rights, troop deployment etc.
The New Horizons described the plan as worse than the previous versions, expressing his certainty that the people would reject it in the referendum.
But former president George Vassiliou said the plan should be studied calmly before deciding on how to vote.
He added that most of the Greek Cypriot side’s suggestions on functionality had been accepted and stressed that a ‘no’ vote in the referendum would effectively mean no solution.
