Cypriot society must be informed in an organized and responsible way about the Cyprus problem and developments
Statement of Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL Political Bureau member
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 10th March 2016, Nicosia
AKEL has the long-standing position that the political forces must be briefed and consult with the given President of the Republic on the negotiations and developments surrounding the Cyprus problem within the context of the National Council.
AKEL also has a timeless position that Cypriot society must be informed, in an organized, structured and responsible way, about the Cyprus problem and developments around the issue.
During the Demetris Christofias Presidency the briefing and consultation with the political forces was ongoing and continuous. Political forces were given all the documents. Indeed we recall that back then the Christofias Presidency attempted for the very first time, in an organized manner, to inform Cypriot society about the solution of the Cyprus problem we are seeking, a fact which provoked the reaction and wrath of various political forces.
However, we note that briefing and consultation is one thing and the leaking and revealing of National Council documents is another. This practice, which unfortunately dates back, nullifies the institution of the National Council and undermines the credibility of the Greek Cypriot side, but also the negotiations underway. Negotiations cannot be taking place and at the same time various reflections, suggestions and tactics of the Greek Cypriot side are revealed in the open.
The leaks and revealing of documents contribute nothing at all to society´s briefing, given that these practices provoke fierce debates and bickering on the domestic front, which confuse and disappoint citizens.
We reiterate that society can and should be briefed in a coherent and responsible manner so as to have the real and not a distorted and false picture of the whole process.
