STATEMENT OF ANDROS KYPRIANOU, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE C.C OF AKEL

 

Press Office C.C. of AKEL, 22nd March 2013, Nicosia

 

I express my regret about the fact that at such a critical moment, the Government chooses to take up its time in conducting media games. I believe this is the worst service it can offer to the country.

 

Over these days we have been trying as much as possible not to raise the tones. However at the same time we are forced to point out the wrong decisions and handling that have led our country to a breaking point. We have been led into this dire situation we are in today due to the Government’s wrong and hasty handling, both in the Eurogroup and with regards the issue of the Popular Bank. The attempt by the Government Spokesman to shift the government’s responsibilities on to the House of Representatives is at least unfortunate.

 

As AKEL we tried, following the decision of the House, to help by presenting our thoughts and opinions. Unfortunately, at no stage was there a willingness on the part of the Government to listen.

 

It came as a big surprise when we heard that the Government is negotiating with the Troika on the basis of a Plan B. Once again, the Government didn’t feel the need to inform and hear the views of the political parties.

 

We are aware of the critical moments our country and people are going through. We emphasize in the strongest manner that the bankruptcy of the Cypriot economy is not under any circumstances an option for AKEL. We are ready to contribute with all our strength to avoiding it. However, we point out that the responsibility for the assumption of initiatives lies first and foremost with the Government.

 

Rather than invoking ideological positions, the Government should propose solutions abandoning its ideological obsessions. Finally, I stress that the constant invocation of patriotism is meaningless if we do not all comprehend it in the same way. For us, patriotism is the struggle for the interests of our country and people.