Interview with the General Secretary of AKEL A. Kyprianou: “2021 is extremely crucial for our country’s future”

3 January, 2021, “Haravgi” newspaper

What does the proposal submitted by AKEL to the President of the Republic on the Cyprus problem contain?

AK: The proposal consists of two parts. One part deals with the negotiation procedure, that is to say how Mr. Anastasiades must approach the UN Secretary General’s proposal for the resumption of substantive negotiations, and the second part concerns the hydrocarbons issue, which – in our view – is clearly the issue which Turkey attaches the greatest importance to.

We consider that Mr. Anastasiades, without going beyond our own “red lines” – and I stress this – can submit proposals on both of the above issues, which will reassure and satisfy primarily the Turkish Cypriot community, but – why not – Turkey itself too.

We will make our proposal public in the New Year, so that there can be a public debate on the issue.

“Anastasiades flirted with a two state solution and this has caused enormous damage to the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem”

Did you discuss this proposal during your recent meeting with the President of the Republic? Do you have any indications as to whether he intends to make use of it?

AK: The reason why we are delaying making it known to the public is because we want to see the President’s reaction first. When we submitted the proposal, at the beginning of December, we explained in general terms what it includes and Mr. Anastasiades reserved the right to study and discuss it in a new meeting with us. Our recent meeting was about the 2021 state budget. We touched on the Cyprus problem in general terms. Therefore, we haven’t yet had some detailed reaction on the part of the President.

Was the proposal passed on to others?

AK: Yes, the proposal has been passed on to other people in a much more concise form.

The Archbishop says that the President told him that he wanted a two state solution. What’s your comment on this testimony?

AK: I wish it was just the Archbishop’s testimony. Dozens of other people have made the same testimony. It is obvious – and as AKEL we have been stating it publicly since 2017 – that Mr. Anastasiades discussed the possibility of a two state solution with certain people. By denying it today, the government is simply becoming more exposed.

Mr. Anastasiades has been flirting with the two states solution for a while and the worst thing of all is that this has caused enormous damage to the efforts to find a solution of the Cyprus problem. First and foremost, the credibility of the Republic of Cyprus has deteriorated internationally. While there is already a framework on the basis of which we have been discussing to solve the Cyprus problem, all of a sudden the President suggested another framework. He has also led developments to a protracted deadlock, which, unfortunately, many people considered he was not free of responsibility.

At the same time, Turkey has taken advantage of the situation and proceeded to a series of provocative actions, such as escalating its aggression in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the attempt to provoke fait accompli in Famagusta and the assumption by Mr. Tatar of the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community. Worst of all, Turkey is now raising the issue of a two-state solution.

Turkey has no excuse whatsoever for its provocative actions. Unfortunately, however, a large section of the international community, which wants to justify Turkey, found an “alibi” invoking Mr. Anastasiades’ stance and regressions.

Enormous damage has been done. And the worst part of it is that the government, instead of realising it, is accusing anyone who has the courage to say these things in public. It is also acting in the same way on the issue of corruption, with the President declaring himself “innocent and clean”, despite the fact that the country is buzzing that he has become heavily involved in actions that constitute a violation of good governance.

Our appeal to Mr. Anastasiades is that he should realize how much damage he has caused, that time is running out and that he must take initiatives – and demonstrate consistency this time – so that Turkey can be cornered under pressure and if it were to cooperate, to finally arrive at an agreement for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

“The President doesn’t have many options. He will either work towards the solution of the Cyprus problem, or he will go down in history as the leader of partition”

The President seems to be focusing on decentralized federation. Was the content of such a solution discussed during the session of the National Council (Note: advisory body to the given President on the Cyprus problem composed of parliamentary parties and former Presidents)? Which of the powers which have been agreed will be transferred to the constituent entities?

AK: I have asked the same question several times to Mr. Anastasiades, both in our private discussions and in the National Council. I never got an answer. We have also asked Mr. Anastasiades as a Party to explain to us what he means by the term ‘decentralized federation’ and which of the powers and competences agreed for the Central Government does he consider should be conceded to the constituent entities. We never got an answer, either because he doesn’t know either, or because he doesn’t want to tell us and that is even worse.

What do you expect from the forthcoming arrival of UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Cyprus Jane Hall Lute? And what – in your opinion – should the President do?

AK: In our opinion, during the meeting with Mrs. Lute the President of the Republic must say what we record in our own proposal. First and foremost, he must say a categorical “yes” to the UN Secretary-General’s invitation for a resumption of negotiations, without terms and preconditions, on the basis of the UN Secretary-General’s Framework of 31st June 2017, and declare his readiness to work together to achieve an agreement. He must also accept political equality, as described in the texts of the United Nations, not as interpreted by Turkey.

Beyond that, the President must make moves on the natural gas issue. We insist that he must respond in a way that allays the concerns primarily of the Turkish Cypriots, but also the concerns about what will happen regarding Turkey in the future. Mr. Anastasiades must clarify these issues and handle them with consistency.

In our opinion, the President doesn’t have many options before him. He will either work towards the solution of the Cyprus problem, or he will go down in history as the leader of our island’s partition.

The big dilemma for the lawful inhabitants of Varosha

Many lawful inhabitants of Varosha are in a dilemma as to what to do if they are given the opportunity to return, without a solution to the Cyprus problem, under the administration of the illegal pseudo-state (in the occupied areas). What is AKEL’s view?

AK: Woe if we find ourselves in this difficult position. If Turkey proposes the opening of Famagusta under Turkish Cypriot administration and invites Greek Cypriots to return to their homes under Turkish Cypriot administration, we will face two dilemmas. The first and most important dilemma is that in the event they return under Turkish Cypriot administration, a big step will have been made towards the final partition of Cyprus. The second is that if they do not return, they might possibly face the risk of losing their property permanently. This will be the big dilemma that will arise for the lawful inhabitants of Varosha. And it is precisely for this reason that we stress that Mr. Anastasiades must take initiatives to resume negotiations as soon as possible. If this is not done, the problems we will be called upon to face will be enormous.

We cannot say to the people – if the Turkish Cypriot side invites them to return to their homes under Turkish Cypriot administration – to accept such a thing. It would constitute a violation of the relevant UN resolutions. Furthermore, it would be a serious mistake to do so. At the same time, of course, I personally am not going to call anyone a traitor if he/she acts in that way. Mr. Anastasiades has the obligation to take initiatives so as to prevent the possibility of us facing such a dilemma.

“Is there any other country in which all these scandals take place and a political earthquake wouldn’t have been provoked?”

“If the conclusion of the Investigation Committee on the very critical period 2013-2020 is made public after the parliamentary elections, it will be a huge scandal”

Question marks surrounding the Investigation Committee

There is a big confrontation over the “golden” passports scandal. In one of his statements, the Government Spokesman (3/9/2020) stated verbatim that: “AKEL’s destructive policy has no boundaries […] We are shooting ourselves in the foot”. What’s your comment on that?

AK: Those who have shot the feet of the Republic of Cyprus are the government ruling forces in the way they have handled the citizenship program. They weakened the regulations and worst of all they permitted unacceptable things to happen. Numerous interests have been served and citizenships were granted to persons such as Joe Lowe, the Saudi Arabian tycoon, the elite class of Cambodia, etc. The government isn’t only involved in these scandals. Unfortunately the name of the President of the Republic himself is also involved. There are many more cases too.

Have you heard about any other European country where the President’s law firm sends cases to the Council of Ministers (for approval) which he himself chairs?

Have you heard about any other European country where decisions are approved by the Council of Ministers and the law firm of the President of the Republic benefits financially?

Is there any another country in which a private individual would give his private jet for the President to travel to the Seychelles and subsequently receive 36 passports from the government?

Is there any another European country in which millions of Euros from the President’s family circle would be transferred abroad so that they could avoid a haircut on their bank deposits, unlike all other depositors?

Is there any another country in which the Assistant Attorney General ended up in prison and the President of the Republic went to court to testify in his defence?

Is there any other country in which all this would happen and a political earthquake wouldn’t have shook the country?

The government is trying to convince us that all of these don’t constitute a scandal. Furthermore, it counters that the shameful video of Al Jazeera was in the house of a former AKEL MP. This has nothing to do whatsoever with everything I have mentioned. And worst of all is that despite these scandals and many more, the President of the Republic declares himself “innocent and clean”. I think the words have lost their meaning…

What do you expect from the Investigation Committee (on the ‘golden passports’ sale industry)?

AK: We will judge the Investigation Committee by its work. But I do not hide from you that we have many questions. For example, I hear that the conclusion will not be made public, in contrast to what happened with the findings on the issue of the selloff of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank, but also on the Mari naval base explosion. The latter was even made public in the context of a hypocritical show set up by the then investigating officer. I also hear that the findings for the period 2007-2013 will be made public in the immediate future, but the findings for the very critical period 2013-2020 are likely to be made public after the parliamentary elections. If this is indeed the case, it would be a huge scandal and the Investigation Committee will have played – in my opinion – a very devious suspicious political role in this entire process. We have made it clear that we will not tolerate such a development. I want to believe that this won’t happen. I would like to believe that the members of the Committee will safeguard their prestige and dignity.

I also appeal to the Attorney General to be very careful in how he handles these issues, so as not to jeopardize his reputation and dignity.

Generally in recent years we have seen a dramatic increase in corruption on all issues, from football to “golden” passports. What measures can be taken to address the phenomenon?

AK: As AKEL we have submitted numerous measures during the previous period, as well as during the 2021 state budget debate in Parliament. But nothing can be implemented unless the ruling mentality changes. To change this mentality, other actions must be promoted too, such as the introduction of educational courses in Education. The second thing that needs to be done is for those in office, such as the President, Ministers, Members of Parliament and other political figures, to act as role models instead of examples to be avoided, as is happening in many cases today.

In addition to the above, institutional changes must be made. As AKEL we have proposed and insist on setting a ceiling on the number of terms of office. This proposal was submitted in Parliament, but unfortunately the majority of the parties rejected it. We consider it an important measure, since when a person holds a public office it is much easier to become part of the establishment. Therefore, there must be safeguards and effective scrutiny exercised over those who hold public office/posts.

In addition, we need to modernize the issues regarding incompatibilities, conflict of interest and asset control. There should be internal control mechanisms established in all Ministries and semi-governmental organizations.

In our view, we also need to look again at the mass media, their ownership status, but also who the real owners are, because we know that many are hiding behind other people.

Another characteristic of recent years is the crises noted in relation to institutions. What measures can be taken to address this phenomenon?

AK: First of all, I want to highlight the hypocrisy of the Anastasiades-DISY government. When the government of Demetris Christofias was in power, it only clashed with the then Governor of the Central Bank, when the government had told the Governor to limit himself to exercising his powers and responsibilities and not to deal with political issues. The then Governor chose to deal with political issues. At that time, DISY and Mr. Anastasiades were sharply critical of the Christofias government.

The Anastasiades government has clashed with almost all independent institutions. It has clashed with two Governors of the Central Bank, the former Attorney General, the former Chief of Police, the former Deputy Chief of Police and the Auditor General. All this proves how hypocritical they are when in opposition and how different they act when they are in power.

In terms of what needs to be done, I think it is extremely important that there is mutual respect between the various institutions and independent officials on the one hand and the President of the Republic on the other. When this mutual respect exists and when everyone knows what their powers and responsibilities are, then there won’t be any problem whatsoever. We regret to note that Mr. Anastasiades in the case of the Auditor General does not reply to the substance of the Auditor General’s complaints, whereas he has an answer for everything else. I consider that is how the confrontation is perpetuated.

What are your expectations for 2021 and what is your message to society in view of the New Year?

AK: The first thing I would like to wish everyone is to have a better year at all levels – personal, family, professional – and especially of course with regards Cyprus. I am very afraid that 2021 will be extremely decisive for our country’s future and perspective mainly concerning the Cyprus problem, but also on other issues too. That’s to say where the economy will be directed, how the people’s economic problems will be addressed by the government and what situations will be formed with regards labour issues.

I want to assure all Cypriots without exception that AKEL will be at the forefront of the struggle for the liberation and reunification of our country. It will be at the forefront of the struggle to assert for workers, small and medium-sized enterprises, young people, women, people in need of State support and especially for people with disabilities who are facing huge problems and difficulties, especially during this period.

I would also like to address our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, that section that loves peace and loves Cyprus. I want to say to them that the struggle is common and we will have to see how we coordinate our struggles in order to be able to reunite our homeland and transform it into a common home of Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins.

Finally, I would like to address the immigrants living and working in Cyprus and express our support and solidarity.

AKEL submitted a package of proposals on the 2021 state budget. Was there a response from the government?

AK: We have been voting against the Anastasiades government’s budget for seven years because we disagree with its philosophy. Every year during the debate in Parliament we set out our views. We took the same position this year too.

So far there has been no response from the government to our proposals. The President has promised that the government’s economic team will discuss with us before the new budget will be submitted to Parliament (Note: since it had been rejected by a majority of Parliament for the first time in 60 years). We are waiting and will express our position accordingly.

In your meeting with the President of the Republic, you also raised broader issues, such as foreclosures, labour issues, the issue of rents, etc. Was there any response to these issues?

AK: The only thing that the President promised in that meeting is that he will not refer Parliament’s bill on foreclosures. Other than that, he has not yet commented on the rest of our proposals.

What issues does AKEL prioritise?

AK: We believe that during this critical phase, working people and small and medium-sized enterprises must be supported first and foremost. We must also aim to give owners of primary family homes of up to €350,000, as well as small businesses, the right to go to the courts, a right that has been denied to them.

We also need to protect labour rights. I heard the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB) state that because some companies did not operate for a specific period of time and did not record profit, they should not give workers the 13th month salary. They cannot make such decisions unilaterally. When they made a profit, they didn’t tell workers “let’s share the profits”. The correct procedure is to enter into negotiations with the trade union movement, which has always handled these issues in a serious and responsible way.

The employers’ side considers the crisis and its consequences to be a golden opportunity to wage attacks on labour rights. This is a big mistake. It is now up to them to show that they have the capacity to address these issues, in cooperation with trade unions and workers.

In the consultations between the government and the social democratic party EDEK, it seems that reforms in the National Health Scheme (NHS) have been put on the table for discussion. Are you worried that this may affect the character or course of the NHS?

AK: As far as we are concerned, we are not going to accept a change in the philosophy of the NHS under any circumstances. From there onwards, problems are being identified in the NHS and we are ready to discuss them. I discussed this issue with the President. I want to believe that the government won’t make any moves that will change the character and philosophy of the NHS. Depending on what happens, we will react.

How long must the measures providing support for working people and businesses continue?

AK: Support measures must continue at least for as long as the government is imposing restrictions on the operation of enterprises.

However, a comprehensive economic recovery scheme must also be elaborated. Many small and medium-sized enterprises face the risk of closing down due to the prolonged situation. If there is no scheme in place on how they will reopen, I am very afraid that what we call the “backbone of the Cyprus economy” will crumble. The government therefore needs to study the given situation and make use of the EU Recovery Plan to get support for these sectors.

At the same time, the government must also focus on new areas that can give a boost to the Cyprus economy, such as innovation, technology and green development. These are areas in which the EU itself believes that its member states should give an impetus to in the immediate future.

The pandemic highlighted the problems of hospitals. What needs to be done from now on?

AK: In May, we handed 18 proposals to the government on the measures that needed to be taken so that the public health system would be ready to confront the possibility of a second wave of the pandemic breaking out. The package of proposals was also forwarded to the state health services (OKYPY). I regret to note that they didn’t take our comments into account, as a result of which we are now facing many problems in the second phase of the pandemic, while public hospitals are in danger of collapsing.

In the proposal we submitted to the President of the Republic on the 2021 state budget, we have brought back those 18 points. We are under no illusions that everything we have proposed will be accepted, but the government should at least implement the key proposals. The most important issue is providing support to public hospitals.

At what stage are the procedures within AKEL, in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections?

AK: The pandemic and the restrictive measures have delayed our party procedures to a great extent. We have asked Party Organisational Bureau to prepare proposals on how we will conduct the entire procedure towards the parliamentary elections. We have also asked Party District Committees to personally contact all party members, to receive nominations in order to make contacts with those who will be nominated. We will have our election candidate list ready by the end of January.

What are AKEL’s main axes in the parliamentary elections?

AK: First and foremost we shall focus on the Cyprus problem. Secondly, the economy and social issues which have assumed enormous dimensions.

In addition to the public health system and labour issues, which I have already referred to, we also believe that there is huge scope for improving social welfare services. We have been submitting to the government comprehensive proposals on these issues for about a year now. The 2013 economic crisis and the 2020 pandemic, which is continuing, have generated huge social problems. They have affected the psychological state of the population. We have recorded increased numbers of violent incidents in families, which should offend us as a society.

Another huge issue is the environment, as well as education issues. All this constitutes a web of issues that we will highlight during the election campaign. In any case, AKEL will outline and put forth its own proposals, it won’t just criticize the government.

What is AKEL’s goal for the elections?

AK: We want to record a higher percentage than during the previous parliamentary elections. We know that this goal is difficult to achieve, as there is great unrest in society, stemming from the pandemic and economic crisis, but also from the scandals and corruption. It will therefore demand an enormous effort on our part to manage – in the adverse conditions of the pandemic – to convince the people why it should go to the polls and cast its vote for AKEL.

How will people return to the ballot box?

AK: All the polls show that the people who have chosen not to vote for AKEL chose not to vote for another party. These people chose to abstain. I think the best way to persuade them to go to vote is to convince them that by supporting and strengthening AKEL’s voice, this will make it into a stronger force that will fight and assert for the people. We should convince the people that we are their voice, that we are fighting for their own rights, on the issues that concern them, on the small day-to-day, but also on all the big issues.

We are some way off from the next Presidential elections. However, AKEL has expressed its opposition to the government’s policy. Have there been any discussions with other political parties and organizations about the possibility of forging cooperation?

AK: The first thing I want to say is that the most natural thing is for any opposition to seek to remove the government from power in the next presidential election. I wonder why the government and ruling DISY party is annoyed when we state that. As for your question, we have not even discussed this issue between us, let alone with other political parties. Thoughts are being made. We shall have discussions very soon with both movements and political parties.

Is AKEL’s goal to come to power or to get rid of the DISY government?

AK: The goal is to replace the Anastasiades government, which in our opinion is anti-social and has provoked enormous problems in the country, to replace it with a government that will be progressive and in which AKEL will play a significant role.

Have you considered running as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election?

AK: I believe that the choice that AKEL will make must be such that it will rally and unite wider social movements and forces around it. When the time comes, we will analyze the given situation and evaluate which candidate can achieve this goal more successfully.