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SUNDAY MAIL

Matsakis in the line of fire over latest comments

M.E.P. Marios Matsakis is back on familiar ground, bearing the brunt of a concerted attack from the political establishment for his views on a Cyprus settlement. Matsakis stoked up controversy after saying he wanted a unified state instead of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution as envisaged by a United Nations blueprint to reunify the divided island. He made the comments Friday soon after confirming he would be running in February’s presidential elections. “If elected, this is the solution I aim to negotiate with the Turkish side,” Matsakis told newsmen. In the event Turkey rejected this, he added, then the second best solution would be that of two states with some territorial adjustments. As expected, Matsakis immediately received universal condemnation. Papadopoulos branded the MEP’s opinions as “dangerous.” Hitting back, the former state pathologist claimed that quarters within the ruling DIKO party were considering “far worse things” regarding a settlement. “A lot of people in DIKO talk about a two-state solution, and some even speak of erecting a wall that would keep the two states and communities apart,” he told Politis. Speaking on CyBC radio yesterday, Matsakis explained he rejected a bi-zonal, bo-communal solution because it was partition in disguise. His formula, he said, was based on the Zurich agreement of 1960 for a unified Republic, not constituent states where Greek and Turkish Cypriots would live separately. “Besides, the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus is founded on the Zurich constitution,” he added. Matsakis went on to slam his rival candidates for “putting the Annan plan on the table, negotiating it, and then leaving it to the people to decide”. “Essentially, all of them want the plan as is or with decorative amendments.” AKEL spokesman Andros Kyprianou dismissed the MEP’s views as potentially disastrous for the island. “If we were to follow through his position on a unified state, it would lead us to partition with mathematical accuracy, and with devastating consequences. “Such a solution would turn the occupied areas into a Turkish province… we would share 185km of border with Turkey, who would bring troops and settlers into the north without us being able to react… a ticking time bomb.” Similarly, DISY deputy Christos Pourgourides said Matsakis’ ideas posed a threat to Cypriot Hellenism. “Some people may like the sound of Matsakis’ views, in the sense that they do not wish to live alongside the Turkish Cypriots. But these people cannot grasp the difficulties arising from a permanent partition,” said Pourgourides. DIKO’s Angelos Votsis accused Matsakis of reckless demagoguery. “When someone speaks of partition, they should also mention that it is with our very own signature that we are legitimising Turkey’s borders on the island,” he offered. Though acknowledging that a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation was a “painful compromise,” under no circumstances was it tantamount to partition. The DIKO party yesterday released a strongly-worded statement on Matsakis. “His views verge on national capitulation. Mr Matsakis is ready to accept delivering half of Cyprus to Turkey and mortgaging the other half, thus fully aligning himself with Turkish positions. “We hereby state that we shall not dignify these views by discussing them. The motives and objectives of Mr Matsakis’ candidacy are well known. We leave it to the people to judge.” The implication was that Matsakis had an agenda to damage the candidacy of the incumbent Papadopoulos. It is widely believed that any votes Matsakis gets will come from DIKO. Matsakis was kicked out of the party in late 2005, after his flag-snatching stunt in the buffer zone. Meanwhile Matsakis has alleged that people from the president’s political circle tried to convince him – through his associates – not to run and he was also called directly by DIKO members. His claim has been denied by both Papadopoulos and DIKO chairman Marios Karoyian. “To my knowledge, no one has tried to influence Mr Matsakis. Not me, anyway,” Papadopoulos told reporters.