DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades yesterday refused to comment on the internal conflict racking his party at a news in which he blamed the government for Saturday’s rejection of the Annan plan and called on Europe not to cement the division of the island.
“I would like to begin by saying that I have sent a letter to the European Council asking that the economic support that Europe will give to the Turkish Cypriots will not cement partition on the island or pave the way to recognition of the ‘TRNC’,” said Anastassiades.
He went on to explain how he had invited 16 ambassadors from European member states and countries under accession to discuss the referendum results. “The ambassadors expressed their disappointment that the majority of Greek Cypriots rejected the plan, but also shared their understanding,” he said.
Anastassiades also said he had sent a letter to President Tassos Papadopoulos and the other political parties suggesting that they come together in this difficult time to deal with the crisis of a possible permanent partition.
Anastassiades then accused the president of having addressed the nation in a manner that had gone out with the Napoleonic age. “His speech to the people defied any credibility. When the European Council hear all that our president has been saying this could lead to international isolation for our island,” he said.
The DISY leader said the president had taken advantage of his position to get the people to vote for what he wanted, something he said was unheard of in any other country.
Asked if he was willing to speak to the government to mend fences, Anastassiades said that DISY would indeed make efforts to keep open the door to another opportunity for a solution.
Anastassiades plans to meet with AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias “to discuss what position AKEL is in and what their goal is for the future. We will attempt to find a way to work side by side to obtain further negotiations for a solution,” he said.
Asked if he would step down from his position as leader of DISY, Anastassiades simply said that the next elections would take place in four years’ time.
Most DISY voters ignored their leadership’s call to vote ‘yes’ and rejected the Annan plan at the ballot box.
