Cyprus-Forum.com

[insan]

Anadolu Agency: 2/9/2005
ISTANBUL - ''I, as a leader who voted yes in referendum (in Cyprus), say that Greek Cypriots' rejection in the referendum does not mean an objection to solution,'' said Nikos Anastasiadis, leader of Greek Cypriot main opposition Democratic Mobilization Party (DISI).

Anastasiadis delivered a speech at Sabanci University in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Anastasiadis said, ''Europe is on the threshold of a transformation. A common Europe house is established. Firstly, the main struggle is to approve European Constitution by all EU member countries. Within that scope, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece have a common struggle on how they can live together.''

''Our visit to Turkey is a reflection of our policy to work together for the solution of problems,'' he noted.

Anastasiadis said, ''in the past, people suffered from incidents which stemmed from violence and mutual hatred, and as long as politicians in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey do not fulfill their responsibilities, next generations will continue to live with separation and lack of harmony.''

''Problems which affect our region are based on past. Only historians can decide about the past. I am sure we can realize a win-win situation together in the future,'' he added.

Anastasiadis said, ''Greek Cypriot side's full membership to the EU did not bring unity. Greek Cypriots' rejection in referendum does not mean objection to solution. Security issues in Annan Plan, like existence of military units in Cyprus, intervention right of third countries and return of migrants, impelled people to vote 'no' in a referendum which was held one week before full membership of Cyprus. Our people have always believed in a federation solution based on bizonal and bicommunal structure.''

Praising efforts of Turkish Cypriots for peace, Anastasiadis said, ''Greek Cypriots welcomed struggle of Turkish Cypriots for peace and against separation.''

Anastasiadis said what they should reach with good will and compromise is new legal arrangements that will answer the concerns of Greek Cypriots and not harm the rights of Turkish Cypriots before they start to negotiate Annan plan again.

Anastasiadis noted, ''triangle of Turkey, Greece and Cyprus can be made an area of cooperation and joint initiative, instead of tension source.''

''We support Turkey's EU membership. It is necessary to exert every type of effort to remove political and historical separation continuing in the island,'' he said.

When asked his views about solution of Cyprus issue, Anastasiadis said, ''solution of problem rapidly is important also for Turkey. We can solve the problem through dialogue and by understanding each other like in the EU. With Turkeys EU membership, we will give a message to those who want a Christian Europe. We well give them the message that different religions and cultures can exist together.''

Upon a question regarding the existence of soldiers in the island, Anastasiadis said, ''I believe we will not need any soldiers in the island one day. A European country does not need soldiers. Bad experiences of the past taught us how to work together.''


http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=37160

[brother]

Don't like that traitor tag given to the man.

[insan]

I too don't like the "traitor" tag given to Anastasiades but also I don't like Anastasiades personality much. He either play populist political games in order to become in power in the next parliamentary elections(Perhaps, presidential elections) or he has really been changed.

[insan]

Or I didn't know him well.

[brother]

Fair comment, i don't know the man either but i thought he was given that tag because he was persuing a solution to the cyprus problem sooner than later.

[-mikkie2-]

Anastasiades is a hothead. He is more than willing to attack everyone and anyone but he himself does not take criticism of himself that well. His only form of defense is to attack his political advesaries.

I do not trust this man as far as I could throw him and that is nothing to do with him saying yes to the Annan plan!

[Saint Jimmy]

Or I didn't know him well.

That's what I think

[insan]

Or I didn't know him well.

That's what I think

I used to think that whole DISY represents the far right wing but then I realized that there are two distinct camps in DESI. The attitudes and speeches of Anastasiades gave me the impression that he was also in the extremists camp of Desi. Last year when DESI split up, I understood that Anastasiades was not in the same camp with the extremists. Now it seems to me that he is a good successor of Klerides.

Has he any articles pubplished by local dailies? I'd like to read some of them. Then I might have a fairer judgement about him.

[Saint Jimmy]

Or I didn't know him well.

That's what I think

I used to think that whole DISY represents the far right wing but then I realized that there are two distinct camps in DESI. The attitudes and speeches of Anastasiades gave me the impression that he was also in the extremists camp of Desi. Last year when DESI split up, I understood that Anastasiades was not in the same camp with the extremists. Now it seems to me that he is a good successor of Klerides.

Has he any articles pubplished by local dailies? I'd like to read some of them. Then I might have a fairer judgement about him.

Well, you see, in my opinion, this blur that you are referring to is the foundation of DISY's success: they speak tough and act soft, thus attracting supporters from both sides. Clerides was the master of the game, but Anastasiades seems to be having trouble with handling the extremists with sweet talk. He doesn't seem to have the patience to control and contain them, hence his frequent clashes with them.

As to any articles by him, I'm sure I can find some, but not right now, I'll have to get back to you on that.

[brother]

nice one jimmy, lets read up on the man before we pass judgement.