GREECE yesterday gave cautious backing to the Annan plan, saying it had more positive than negative points, but Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis made it clear that the final decision would rest with the people of Cyprus.
“Within the framework of the EU, the positive points outnumber the negatives,” Karamanlis told reporters after a rare meeting of all Greek political parties to decide whether to back the UN plan. “We must not let the injustices prevent us from looking forward. Of course, the final responsibility for the future of their country lies with the Cypriot citizens,” Karamanlis added.
He also said that whatever the outcome of the referendum on the Greek Cypriot side on April 24, Greece would stand alongside the Cypriot people. “I firmly believe in the power of a European reality and I believe in that power to minimise any difficulties,” the Greek Prime Minister said. “That is why I believe the positive can prove superior within the framework of European prospects.”
President Tassos Papadopoulos, in a statement shortly after Karmanalis made his comments, said Greece had expressed its respect and full support for the decisions of the Cypriot people.
“This is particularly important for us,” he said. “On April 24, the people of Cyprus will express their verdict on the Annan plan freely and democratically.”
Last week, Papadopoulos, in an emotional televised speech, called on Greek Cypriots to issue a resounding ‘no’ in the referendum.
“Our common struggle does not stop at the referendum, whatever the results may be,” Papadopoulos said yesterday, without indicating whether he thought Greece had signalled an indirect backing for the plan.
“We remain unshakingly fixed on the target of a solution. What is important today is to continue a democratic and sober dialogue (on the plan) to preserve the unity of our people, which serves both Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the interests of prosperity and security.”
Papadopoulos’ party DIKO welcomed Karamanlis’ comments, which it described as “responsible and wise”.
“We welcome the Greek government’s assurances that any decision made by the Cypriot people will be respected, and that Greece will be by the side of all Cypriots the day after the referendum because our common struggle does not stop at the referendum,” a statement from the party said.
Michalis Papapetrou, Deputy Chairman of the United Democrats, who support the Annan plan, believed Greece was taking a positive stance. “Karamanlis did not hide the fact that there are positive elements in the plan, which means he is saying the plan is positive,” he said. “I hope his comments will change the government’s stance, but I don’t think anything will change their minds.”
One Nicosia-based analyst agreed, but thought Karamanlis had not gone far enough. “I think people would have been hoping to see much more from the Greek government considering the enormity of the situation. It is unlikely to sway opinion on the island at this stage. They have already made it clear they are not interested in listening to anyone. It was clear when the Paphos Bishop told Greek politicians to stay away,” he said.
“I think if anything it’s a case of too little too late from Greece.”
The leader of the Turkish Cypriot Peace and Democracy Movement Mustafa Akinci told the Cyprus Mail: “Unfortunately Greece didn’t put forward a clear position. Why didn’t they make it as clear as Erdogan’s government did?” he said.
