Demetriou: I cannot be so optimistic over Cyprus problem
House President Annita Demetriou said on Sunday she “cannot be so optimistic or talk about optimism” with regard to the Cyprus problem.
She was addressing student union Pofen’s annual conference and was asked whether she shares the optimism espoused by President Nikos Christodoulides on the matter.
“I cannot be so optimistic or talk about optimism. I do not see anything positive happening at the moment. I hope it happens, and that is what we are working towards,” she said.
She said that it was for this reason that Disy had sent proposals to Christodoulides, outlining their positions on the matter of the Cyprus problem, adding that her party has proven in difficult times historically that “it always had a voice, an opinion, and suggestions.”
She then moved to clarify that her issues with Christodoulides are “not personal”, saying “in politics, we are about policy”.
Asked if a meeting with Christodoulides has been organised to clarify the matter, she said, “there is no scheduled meeting, but as always, I remain at his disposal to discuss all these matters”.
She then touched on the matter of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ recent meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, saying, “we must be informed” and that she is “also following with particular attention what is unfolding”.
“Patience is needed,” she added, while noting that “at this point, we are really worried about everything that is happening.”
She then expressed her wish that further developments on the Cyprus problem “be positive for our side, given the fact that we are closing in on 50 years and there is an ongoing occupation in this place”.
On her own lack of optimism, she then added, “I hope this changes, and this is why we are here to contribute effectively in any way we can, either with our proposals, or with decisive interventions when and where needed.”
“We want this place to be reunited and to stop this crime, which has been going on for so many years,” she added.
She then called on the European and international community to “realise that there is no room for double standards”.
“Peace should prevail everywhere; in Cyprus, and in our neighbourhood, and in the heart of Europe,” she added.