Parliament’s majority decision has caused a serious problem

Statement by Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 14th February 2017, Nicosia

It is now clear judging by the result itself that the decision of the majority of the House of Representatives concerning the Enosis referendum has caused a serious problem to the ongoing efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

Of course, the specific decision was exploited by the Turkish Cypriot Right-wing and ultra-Right who disagree with a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of a Bizonal, Bicommunal Federation. This, however, was to be wholly expected to happen.

The question is what we should do from now on to address the unpleasant situation that has been created. The admission by the President of the ruling DISY party that this move was untimely isn’t enough. The abstention by DISY in the vote was in fact tantamount to a vote in favour. The ruling party is responsible because converted into ELAM’s tail it contributed to creating this situation.

The position of the President of the Republic that he will not allow the exploitation of the decision to place blame on the Greek Cypriot side also does not address the problem. The President at the very least must distance himself from the decision and take the initiative to overcome the difficulties for the continuation of the negotiation procedure. Mr. Akinci also has a responsibility for the safeguarding of the negotiation procedure who accordingly must move in this direction.