THE political leadership yesterday concluded they disagreed on the handling of the Cyprus problem after what appear to be four days of futile discussions at the National Council.
Following four all-day sessions often marked by squabbling, the National Council -the top advisory body to the president on the handling of the Cyprus problem – failed to arrive at a joint decision with the opposition saying there were differences between the majority and Demetris Christofias.
“It is clear from the National Council session that there are disagreements on the Cyprus problem and the handling,” government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said.
“Normally, the body should have reaffirmed the 2009 joint communiqué – this is what the president asked. Unfortunately other views prevailed,” he said.
Main opposition DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades said the meetings determined there is disagreement between Christofias and the majority of the council.
Anastassiades said there was a divergence between the 2009 communiqué and the proposals Christofias has tabled in the negotiations with the Turkish Cypriots.
“Consequently there is a diversion between the president and the majority of the National Council,” he said.
Reports said all parties, apart from AKEL, agreed that Christofias must withdraw a document – submitted in the negotiations – on the four freedoms enjoyed by Turkish nationals.
DIKO chief Marios Garoyian said it had been an inglorious ending to the discussions.
“The usual monologues, talk of the past and discussion of insignificant issues,” Garoyian said.
It could have been worse as an argument broke out during the morning session, which threatened to interrupt proceedings.
Reports said it started when Christofias tried to respond to criticism, prompting a quarrel over whether previous presidents had kept people informed of the goings-on.
The government spokesman stressed that the council was just an advisory body.
“There are no National Council majority decisions. If there is unanimity it operates with unanimity; if there is no unanimity then the president exercises, promotes and implements his policy,” Stefanou said.
Christofias said former presidents had not left full archives and minutes behind with ruling AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou suggesting that if the documents were found “many people would be deposed.”
Christofias said he was kept informed by Glafkos Clerides (when he was House president) because they had good relations; in contrast with current House President Yiannakis Omirou who criticises him endlessly.
This, reports said, prompted Omirou to ask the president if this is the respect he had for institutions.
