DISY reach out to Turkish Cypriots

DISY chief Nicos Anastassiades yesterday said his party’s political bureau had unanimously decided on a series of initiatives towards the Turkish Cypriot community, aimed at creating a climate of trust and understanding.

Speaking at a news conference Anastassiades said DISY would contribute to the effort of creating a climate of unity but it would not stop exercising constructive criticism.

“We are repeating our readiness to co-operate with the government and all other political forces to form a common strategy and embark on initiatives that would lead to a final solution of reunifying our country,” Anastassiades said.

But, he added: “We would not follow the course of others who create division with their statements and degrade our political culture.”

He announced the establishment of regular meetings with the leaderships of Turkish Cypriot parties that would be undertaken by small committees created by the members of the political bureau.

The committees would have regular contacts with their Turkish Cypriot counterparts, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, trade unions, the mass media, and Turkish Cypriot society in general.

DISY would also seek meetings with organised bodies in the Greek Cypriot community such as refugee organisations and professional groups, with politicians in Turkey, as well as with diplomats, Anastassiades said.

On a more personal level he said he would co-operate with the European Popular Party and continue his contacts with government heads and EU parties.

Anastassiades is meeting Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, today.