PHILELEFTHEROS “Message of no” AKEL seem set to accept the plan, but President Tassos Papadopoulos will today lay his cards down on the table, urging people to vote no in the referendum. The two separate paths taken by the main political party will not lead to problems. AKEL Ministers will stick by their decisions and they will discuss their views on April 14. Tonight at 9pm President Papadopoulos will address the public with his decision. He will outline all the negative points of the Annan Plan. AKEL’s decision is sure to affect people’s outlook on the plan.
POLITIS “Positive changes” Former Attorney-general Alecos Markides yesterday said that changes made to the Annan Plan in Burgenstock were in favour of the Greek Cypriots. Regarding Turkish nationals wishing to live in Cyprus Markides said that there is a limit to how many can come. He said that the plan needed studying and when asked what his movement would vote he said he would advise them to vote ‘yes’.
HARAVGHI “Denktash not satisfied” The plan is not satisfactory for Turkish Cypriots or Turkey said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. “We have founded a state with many difficulties, and have the backing of Turkey and its army. In 30 years, there has been no bloodshed,” said Denktash. He added that he had kept the peace and now they wanted to destroy the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. “This will be the result if people vote yes for the referendum and the Turkish Cypriots will disappear in 10-15 years.”
MACHI “Disastrous March for wheat growers” This March only saw one per cent of normal rainfall. Despite total rainfall over the winter at 119 per cent of the normal, wheat growers are disappointed as this March has been one of the driest and they have not been able to grow their wheat. This year is expected to be hard for wheat growers who face serious problems. According to some even if it rains in the next few days the damage cannot be reversed.
ALITHIA “Discussion but no decision from DISY” DISY were set to continue their talks on the Annan Plan yesterday. They were due to analyse the changes made to the plan and determine whether to vote yes in the referendum. The party will decide on its proposal for the national conference on April 15. Nicos Anastassiades said that Glafcos Clerides who is one of the most respected politicians in the country would have an effect on how the people vote.
SIMERINI “110,000 settlers” There are 110,000 Turkish settlers on the island according to Mehmet Ali Talat. Talat told Turkish Cypriot organisations there were another 60,000 settlers without nationality on the island. Rauf Denktash, meanwhile, has changed his programme and instead of being in the north was in Ankara to speak with the Turkish government. He met with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and the President Sezer.
