TALKS between President Demetris Christofias and DIKO leader Marios Garoyian over the future of the government coalition yesterday appeared to be going well.
“I hope and I anticipate that our discussions will come to fruition,” Christofias told newsmen after an almost two-hour meeting at the Presidential Palace, the second this week.
A third meeting – which would have turned the contacts into a running saga along the lines of the Cyprus talks – was ruled out.
Flanked by his party spokesman, Garoyian described yesterday’s discussion as “very creative, sincere and substantive.
“Everything was put on the table…we had a sincere dialogue,” said Garoyian.
At stake is the future of DIKO’s continued partnership with the AKEL government, especially in the wake of the socialist EDEK’s recent departure from the alliance.
Leading DIKO members have repeatedly and openly opposed the President’s handling of Cyprus negotiations, accusing Christofias of making too many concessions. In particular, the party is opposed to the concepts of the rotating presidency and the weighted vote, as well as a proposal for 50,000 Turkish settlers to remain on the island following a settlement.
In response to a question, Garoyian said the Cyprus issue had occupied “97 per cent” of his discussions with the President.
But he declined to be drawn on the outcome.
“I have indeed formed an opinion, which I shall submit to the party organs, according to protocol. It would be inappropriate for me to say anything now,” he added cryptically.
His recommendation on whether DIKO should stay or leave will be put to the party’s Executive Bureau tomorrow, after which the Central Committee votes on the proposal – at a date yet to be fixed.
Earlier yesterday, both camps had dialled down their rhetoric. In the morning DIKO spokesman Fotis Fotiou told state radio that the party respected the President’s views, but expected that this respect was reciprocated. And government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou – who was also present at the meeting last night – had spoken of a “productive discussion” between Christofias and Garoyian on Wednesday.
Given the President was unlikely to budge by withdrawing his contentious proposals on the Cyprus talks, the discussions with Garoyian focused on reaching a compromise. Speculation is rife that the President may offer DIKO a place on the Greek Cypriot negotiating team, and possibly an extra ministerial portfolio now that two ministries have been left vacant.
