CHANCES OF a “fresh start” in governance, promoted by junior partner DIKO following the Mari naval base blast, appeared to peter out yesterday with the chasm between parties remaining strong.
On Thursday, DIKO leader Marios Garoyian presented a blueprint for the formation of a government of “broad acceptance” to adopt and implement an “emergency programme” in the next 18 months until the next presidential elections.
The focus will be on five key issues which are: ensuring that the investigation on the Mari blast is completed speedily and impartially; restoring public confidence in the state and institutions; the Cyprus problem; the economy; and the energy crisis.
Asked to comment yesterday, opposition DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades said attaining continuous understanding and unity could not only be achieved through the allocation of government positions but through “healthy dialogue” and “a mentality which helps to overcome obsessions and immobility and take decisions”.
The opposition leader effectively confirmed earlier hints that called for the resignation of President Demetris Christofias, saying he “omitted stating the obvious”, adding however that it was up to Christofias whether he did so.
Anastassiades distanced his party from any government of national unity or broad acceptance, saying DISY would support any government that took the necessary and proper decisions.
“As long as we finally realise that we are not a third world country, or part of the non-aligned movement, which fortunately or unfortunately has disbanded… If finally correct decisions are taken and conditions for healthy dialogue are created, and we dare take the necessary correct measures, any government in power will have our support.”
Ruling AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou yesterday acknowledged that a reshuffle was needed, hinting at a two-party government with the addition of experienced people from outside the coalition.
“We are interested in forming a government characterised by effectiveness, with the participation of honest people, distinguished by a capacity to be effective in what they do. I believe there’s been a lot of effectiveness in the last few years on many issues, but sadly yes, areas also existed where decisions were not taken with the proper decisiveness and in a way which needed their promotion,” said Kyprianou.
Asked whether people existed who would enjoy a broad acceptance in Cyprus, he replied: “There lies the difficulty. It’s easy for everyone to give their opinion, the issue is in practice to implement what we say.”
Garoyian repeated his call for “a government of broad acceptance and if possible, non-partisan”.
Asked whether his party would stay in government should Christofias adopt its “emergency programme”, he said if the government does not adopt it, what kind of programme could the government implement in the next 18 months.
EDEK leader and House President Yiannakis Omirou rejected any role in a government of national unity or broad acceptance, highlighting the lack of convergence on key issues and problems of trust and credibility.
“The issue is not personalities but policies,” he said, noting EDEK was in government and withdrew because pledges on the Cyprus problem were not kept.
Omirou also called on the president to take the responsibility due him for the Mari naval base blast.
