2.01.2008
News from Cyprus
Greek Cypriots trust EU more than their own government
Greek Cypriots have more trust in the EU more than they do in their own government and parliament, and even more than other European citizens. The latest eurobarometer survey showed the level of trust that Greek Cypriots have towards the government decreased from 64 percent in spring 2007 to 49 percent by autumn, a drop of 15 percent. Trust in the House of Representatives fell from 67 percent to 49 percent in the same period. However, trust in the EU institutions was higher than the EU average of 48 percent, even though that too has fallen. The majority of Cypriot citizens – some 55 percent – trusted the EU but this was down from 61 percent in spring 2007... At the same time, almost half of Cypriot citizens consider the EU membership of Cyprus neither a good thing, nor a bad thing. Some 40 percent consider it a good thing and 15 percent a bad thing... According to the survey the two main problems worrying Cypriots remain inflation and crime.
CYPRUS MAIL
Turkish Cypriot support for Europe slides
The level of Turkish Cypriot support for the EU and its institutions has fallen considerably since last year and only 68 percent of people in the north are now satisfied with their lives, according to a new eurobarometer survey published yesterday. The report said there was a feeling within the Turkish Cypriot community that there would not be a solution to the Cyprus problem in the short term. “Similarly, an increasing number of Turkish Cypriots now believe that the promises made to the Turkish Cypriot community by the European Union have not been kept and/or carried out,” it said. Another contributing factor to the ‘negative feeling’ among Turkish Cypriots has been the gradual slowdown of the economic boom that had been taking place over the last few years... Although 67 percent in the north said their economy was good, 52 percent complained about unemployment... Some 45 percent of Turkish Cypriots listed the Cyprus problem as their main concern. The survey also showed a low level of trust in the UN among Turkish Cypriots. Only 30 percent said they trusted the UN, a drop of 12 percent since the last survey... Almost three querters of Turkish Cypriots think their voice is not taken into account in the EU and only 29 percent said they thought the Turkish Cypriot community would have more of a say in the EU in the future.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
British MEP to examine issue of British Bases
British member of the European Parliament, member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, will visit Cyprus on Wednesday to look into the issue of the British Bases in Cyprus, their impact on human rights and the political freedoms of citizens who live in the Bases as well as the contradiction with the acquis communautaire. Accompanied by Cypriot MEP Marios Matsakis, Davies will visit February 7 the areas of Dhekelia and Akrotiri, where he will meet with the Bases Commander, the local authorities and citizens.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Cyprus rejects EU Commissioner's position on occupied ports
The government disagrees with the view of the Enlargement European Commissioner that Cyprus’ Turkish ports and airports can be used by ships and aircraft of third countries, even though Nicosia has declared them illegal ports of entry. “The position of the government on the issue of the occupied ports is completely different than that which EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has,” Government Spokesman Vassilis Palmas has said. Palmas noted that the position of the European Council is also completely different to that expressed by Rehn. He recalled that the European Commission was in favour of direct trade between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot community, through close ports. Palmas said that there is variation in the position of the European instruments and pointed out that final decisions will be taken by the European Council.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Papadopoulos:Schroeder's visit to occupied areas "a sad development"
Papadopoulos has described Schroeder’s visit as “a very sad development”, expressing regret for the fact that Schroeder, acting as an individual, continues to maintain the same positions towards Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots. Spokesman Vassilis Palmas has said that Schroeder will visit the occupied areas as an individual representing some businessmen and noted that “he no longer has the political clout he had in the past.” He said that all representations have been made to avert Schroeder’s visit but since this is as private visit they did not bear fruit, because no one can force an individual to visit or not to visit a certain place. Charges d’ affaires of the German embassy here Joachin Heidorn underlined the fact that Schroeder is not a government official any more and but a private citizen. Heidorn said that as a German citizen, Schroeder could not be prevented from paying this visit, adding that the embassy is in no way involved in this visit and that Schroeder had not informed the embassy about this trip.Heidron also noted that Schroeder will be accompanied by businessmen interested in investing in the north.
COMMENTATY
CYPRUS MAIL
When will we start heeding the omens?
“Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder flies in to the north today, as the guest of the Turkish Cypriot authorities in an effort to boost trade to the breakaway state. He may no longer be in office, and the German embassy has underlined that his visit is entirely private, but the fact remains that Herr Schroeder is an extremely high profile figure of the European scene and that his visit is causing acute embarrassment to the government, especially so close to an election. Neither is it clear if his visit has anything to do with his position at the Russian oil giant Gazprom. What it is clear is that Moscow is not particularly bothered by the association, something that should give AKEL cause to reflect given the importance it gives to Russia in its hopes to advocate the Greek Cypriot cause... The measures the opposition calls for are nothing more than rearguard actions, as our standing among countries once sympathetic to our cause steadily unravels since the Annan plan referendum of 2004. they may slow down the process but they cannot stem the determination of the international community to ease what we bizarrely describe as “the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.” That determination is the result of the systematic bad faith shown by the government of Tassos Papadopoulos (and his ally for the longest time Demetris Christofias, whatever he may say today) in its dealings both with the Turkish Cypriots and the international community...”
1.31.2008
Archbishop Christodoulos is dead
From BBC online: "Archbishop Christodoulos defended the Church's pre-eminent role in the state and upheld Hellenism - the national character and culture of Greece, our correspondent says. But critics said that under Archbishop Christodoulos, Greece remained a country which discriminated against those who were not Orthodox, including Catholics and worshippers of other branches of Christianity.Elected as church leader in 1998, Archbishop Christodoulos was known as a fierce and outspoken defender of Greece and the role of the Orthodox Church within it, our correspondent says. The archbishop once said that when ancient Greeks were creating the lights of civilisation, Europeans were living in trees.
He said Greeks lived in paradise compared to other Europeans because they had a strong faith, built churches, followed traditions and resisted globalisation. Archbishop Christodoulos opposed Turkey's efforts to join the European Union, describing the Turks as barbarians. The archbishop clashed with the Greek government when the authorities wanted to remove religious status from identity cards.
"They are trying to take away our society's Christian and Orthodox identity, using various groundless arguments, because they hate God and want to marginalise the Church," he said.Nasce la Rosa bianca
ma noi preferiamo quella rossa
The war of the two roses can (re)start."And here I prophesy: this brawl today,
Grown to this faction in the Temple garden,
Shall send, between the Red Rose and the White,
A thousand souls to death and deadly night."
Che fine hanno fatto i Volenterosi?
Intanto il Nostro...
GOVERNO: CAPEZZONE, ELEZIONI SUBITO UNICA VIA RAGIONEVOLE
(ANSA) - ROMA, 31 GEN - ''''Sono sempre piu'' persuaso del
fatto che le elezioni al piu'' presto (6 o 13 aprile)
rappresentino il percorso piu'' lineare, realistico e
ragionevole'''', afferma Daniele Capezzone, promotore del network
Decidere.net.
''''La vera urgenza italiana e'' quella economica: da questo
punto di vista - aggiunge - non sarebbe saggio ne'' affidarsi ad
un governicchio di transizione, che non avrebbe la forza (in
Parlamento e nel Paese) per prendere decisioni adeguate, ne''
rinviare l''appuntamento elettorale a giugno (in quest''ultimo
caso, un Governo sarebbe formato solo a luglio, dopo un Dpef
ereditato dal governicchio di transizione). Non possiamo avere,
in un anno cosi'' decisivo, una ''finanziaria figlia di nessuno''.
Occorre invece votare subito, avere presto (gia'' ai primi di
maggio) un Governo pienamente in sella, in grado di preparare
immediatamente il Dpef di giugno, e di impostare la finanziaria
da presentare a fine settembre''''.
''''Solo questo - conclude Capezzone - sembra un percorso in
grado di far fronte alla delicata situazione economica con cui
ci misureremo: e un passaggio indispensabile e'' quello di andare
a votare al piu'' presto, gia'' nelle primissime date utili''''.
Lots of News on Cyprus
CYPRUS MAIL
‘How did it come to this?’
Tomorrow’s visit to the north by Schroeder has evoked “concern” and “sadness” across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders wondered out loud yesterday how things got so bad for the Cyprus Republic. Christofias expressed his sandness over the high-profile visit warning it was something which ought to worry the whole political spectrum, not just the government. “It is a worrying message which should lead us to be more alert,” said the AKEL leader. He also referred to the invite extended by the British House of Lords to the Turkish Cypriot foreign minister as a worrying trend. Christofias argued there was no preventive policy to deal with such developments that open the north to key figures in the international scene. “There has been talks of Schroeder’s visit for over a month now. I wonder what measures we have taken to avoid this development,” he pondered. DISY presidential candidate Ioannis Kasoulides went back in time to when Schroeder and Klerides met and Schroeder expressed his admiration for Klerides to solve the Cyprus problem. “Looking at today’s developments, I honestly feel great sadness and really wonder how did we get to this point,” he said. DISY spokesman Tasos Mitsopoulos highligted that Schroeder may not hold political office any more but he remains a former chancellor of the most powerful member state in the EU, popular and influential among his people.
CYPRUS MAIL
‘Turkish Cypriots asked for 1974-era rifles back’
A number of Turkish Cypriots are said to have written to the Cypriot authorities asking for the return of their hunting rifles which were confiscated in 1974. According to yesterday’s Phileleftheros, the guns were confiscated by the government as a form of ‘sisarmament’ in an effort to avoid possible conflicts. Greek Cypriots also lost their hunting rifles as part of the same process. But apparently, a number of Turkish Cypriots have written to Attorney-General Petrol Clerides asking for the return of their rifles on the grounds that they cirmcumstances are now favourable and not what they used to be. Around 1,800 hunting rifles belonging to the Turkish Cypriots are believed to be held in police storage.
Wednesday, January 30
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
President: G/Cs in a more powerful position with EU - Turkey decision
With the initiatives and methodical efforts, the Government has achieved the recent decision of the EU General Affairs Council for the reviewed EU-Turkey partnership text, and today the Greek Cypriot side is in a more powerful position to succeed in the Cyprus efforts for political settlement, Papadopoulos said. “We are in a more powerful position today and we are allowed to be optimistic”, the President said, responding to questions. Asked about the visit to the north of Cyprus of the former Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder, Papadopoulos said it is a sad development, noting that Schroeder is an ordinary citizen. “As an ordinary citizen he continues to have the same feelings for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots as he had before”, he said.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
MEPs express support for return of Famagusta
Members of the European Parliament expressed their support to the legitimate inhabitants of Famagusta to return to their hometown. The MEPs attended an event at the European Parliament in Brussels organized Wednesday by the ‘Famagusta Municipality.’ ‘Famagusta Mayor’ Alexis Galanos said that “the return of the town of Famagusta constitutes a European responsibility” adding that “Famagusta, a European town, is occupied by Turkish troops”. Spanish MEP and member of the EP Petitions Committee, Willy Meyer Pleite, who visited Cyprus last November as part of an EP delegation, said he experienced himself the denial of the Turkish army to the legitimate inhabitants to enter their home town. “I experienced myself the denial of the Turkish army to enter Famagusta when together with other members of the EP delegation we tried to enter the fenced off city but the Turkish occupation army did not allow us to enter”, the Spanish MEP said. Pleite expressed his support for the struggle of the legitimate inhabitants of Famagusta and pledged he would work for their return. The delegation of the ‘amagusta Municipality’held a series of meetings with other MEPs including members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Petitions Committee and the Joint Parliamentary EU – Turkey Committee. alanos also participated in the meeting of the ''Union for Europe of the Nations'' Group which was attended by over 200 people, mostly MEPs. Chairman of the EP Committee on Petitions Marcin Libicki pledged that the final report would include clear references on Turkey’s responsibilities and the relevant UNSC resolutions.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(Greek) Cypriot FM in Finland and Estonia for talks
Marcoullis pays a working visit to Finland, during which she will hold a meeting with her Finnish counterpart Ilkka Kanerva to discuss various issues such as the Cyprus problem and bilateral relations. During her visit in Helsinki, Marcoullis will meet with Minister of Europe and Migration Astrid Thors and Chairman of the House External Affairs Committee Pertti Salolainen. After concluding her contacts there, the (Greek) Cypriot Foreign Minister and her entourage will head for Estonia. Marcoullis will be received by President of Estonia Toomas Henrik Ilves, Prime Minister Andrus Ansip and hold a meeting with her Estonian counterpart Urmas Paet.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Countries aspiring for closer EU ties should sign treaties for immigrant reentry
(Greek) Cypriot Minister of Interior Christos Patsalides said that countries neighbouring with the EU, countries that have the candidate status, such as Turkey or aspire to have closer ties with the Union, should realize they have the responsibility to sign treaties for the reentry of immigrants with the EU. Speaking to the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council that took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, holder of the EU presidency, Patsalides reiterated his call for a common policy on the issue of immigration. Referring to a recent agreement between Libya and Italy for joint sea patrols, Patsalides said that such agreements in the future should be the result of European Convention with third states and not of bilateral agreements of EU member states and third states. He further explained that the aim of this is such issues ''relating to illegal immigration would be included in the EU foreign policy, something which would significantly assist smaller member-states, which do not have important political weight and capabilities.'' Patsalides welcomed the efforts for the practical cooperation between Member States on asylum, pointing out that the EU partners should be cautious on the two different aspects of asylum, that is, the member-states considered as a ''first-stop'' by illegal immigrants and those member-states considered as a ''second-stop.'' Cyprus ranks first in the EU, regarding asylum applications compared to its population, Patsalides said. ''Therefore Cyprus supports the creation of a European support office since this would assist all member-states and especially the member-states considered as ''first-stop'' which face the strongest pressure,'' he added.
ABHABER
Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC approved a draft proposal on isolation
The Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Conference has approved a draft proposal which envisages greater cooperation between Islamic countries and the Turkish Cypriot people in the fields of politics, economy, culture and sports with the aim of easing the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. The draft proposal, which was approved yesterday (29 January) by the Committee, will be forwarded to the 5th Conference of the OIC Parliamentary Union for approval which is taking place in the Egyptian capital Cairo tomorrow. The Speaker of the Republic’s Assembly Fatma Ekenoglu and her delegation are representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the conference.The draft proposal approved by the Executive Committee of the OIC’s Parliamentary Union is seen as an important step in efforts aimed at lifting the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people. The draft proposal, presented earlier by the TRNC and Turkey underlines the need to exert efforts in order to achieve equal representation for the Turkish Cypriot people at international organizations, until a settlement is found to the Cyprus problem. The draft proposal also emphasized that the Cyprus problem should be solved on a bi-zonal, bi-communal order based on the political equality of the two sides and under the UN supervision. During the Executive Committee’s session participants were called on to take initiatives aimed at promoting the Turkish Cypriot people’s equal representation at international institutions. Previous proposals approved during the 4th Conference of the OIC Parliamentary Union were also once again confirmed. These included the representation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus under the title of the ‘Turkish Cypriot State’ as well as the launching of an initiative towards the removal of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.
1.30.2008
Lots of News from Cyprus
Shroeder trip bids to boost business to north
Shroeder will fly into the north on Friday in an apparent effort to boost business in the north, the German Embassy confirmed yesterday. Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy Joachim Heidorn said “I can confirm that he is coming to the island on Friday and that he will be accompanied by a group of businessmen.” Heidorn stressed however that Schroeder was visiting the island as a “private citizen” and not as a representative of the German government.
CYPRUS MAIL
Turkish Cypriots say they have no information on Securitas fugitive
Turkish Cypriot police said yesterday they had no information on the whereabouts of British fugitive Sean Lupton, and denied knowledge of British attempts to track him down in the north. Statements from the Turkish Cypriot police spokesman to the Cyprus Mail yesterday indicated that the British police had not informed them of Lupton’s escape and possible arrival in the north. The British Commission refused to comment on the case yesterday. Questions were also raised yesterday over the ease with which Lupton would be able to launder millions of pounds of cash in northern Cyprus. Former economy minister of the north Ayse Donmezer told the Mail that trying to pass off that cash in banks in the north would be “all but impossible.”
TIMES ONLINE
Fugitives holed up in northern Cyprus
The net is closing on a group of fugitives from the £53 million Securitas raid who are hiding in northern Cyprus. The Times has learnt that British investigators have been liaising with Turkish Cypriot authorities to track a number of men believed to have smuggled suitcases full of cash out of Britain. It is feared, however, that most of the missing £32 million has already been laundered into untraceable assets and invested in other criminal activities, including the drugs trade. There is neither an extradition treaty nor formal diplomatic ties with northern Cyprus, but a working relationship has been forged that has resulted in a number of other criminal suspects being deported to Britain. Sean Lupton, 47, who was arrested in connection with the 2006 robbery and then released on bail, is believed to be in Cyprus, as are two Turkish Cypriot brothers linked to the gang. Sources close to the inquiry said that a number of other Securitas suspects are also holed up in the Turkish-controlled part of the island.
Tuesday, January 29
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(Greek) Cypriot FM meets with European Parliament group leaders
The Cyprus problem and the measures of the (Greek) Cypriot government and the EU to assist with the development of the Turkish Cypriot community, were the main issues Marcoullis discussed in Brussels with the leaders and representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. Marcoullis held separate meetings with Chairman of the Socialist Group Martin Schulz, Chairman of the Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left Francis Wurtz, and Co-President of the Union for Europe of the Nations Group Brian Crowley. She also met with Chairman of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Graham Watson, who was accompanied by Karen Resetarits, member of the Contact Group of the European Parliament with the Turkish Cypriot community. Marcoullis furthermore held a meeting with member of the Independence/Democracy Group Georgios Georgiou, who is also a member of the Contact Group. Marcoullis wrapped up her meetings at the European Parliament with a meeting with the Chairwoman of the Contact Group and member of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats Francoise Grossetete. During her meetings, Marcoullis discussed the Cyprus problem and the measures of the (Greek) Cypriot government and the EU to facilitate the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, within the framework of international law. On the Cyprus problem, the need to support the efforts of the international community for the implementation of the 8 July 2006 agreement and the Gambari process was pointed out. The role of the European Parliament towards the reunification of Cyprus and its people was also pointed out. Marcoullis departs from Brussels on Wednesday for Finland.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
(Greek) Cypriot FM discusses Cyprus and Kosovo with Enlargement Commissioner
The Cyprus problem, the funding regulation for the Turkish Cypriots and Kosovo were the main issues discussed during a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels between Marcoullis and Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn. During the meeting, Marcoullis expressed Cyprus' readiness to begin implementing the 8 July 2006 agreement, after the presidential elections on the island. She noted that the 8 July agreement and the Gambari process had already been adopted by the UN Security Council, the European Council of December 2007 and the General Affairs Council on Monday, in the framework of adopting the reviewed partnership agreement between EU and Turkey. Marcoullis said Turkey should be influenced towards implementing the agreement and the process, adding that the EU's role was important in order to secure that what is agreed on would be in line with the acquis communautaire and EU principles. On Kosovo, Marcoullis explained the government's positions regarding recognition and the legal basis for the EU mission to the area. According to Marcoullis, Rehn expressed the Commission's readiness to contribute towards the commencement of the process after the presidential elections, the first round of which will be held on February 17 and the second on February 24. He pointed out the importance of the agreement to be based on EU principles, adding that the Commission was ready to play a part in the process, although the Cyprus problem should remain within the UN framework. On Monday afternoon, Marcoullis met with High Representative for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem and the issue of Kosovo, elaborating on the government's positions.
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Marios Matsakis: division, a painful but necessary option
Marios Matsakis, one of nine presidential hopefuls running in next month’s elections, believes that a political settlement in Cyprus is imperative as soon as possible and proposes “division, a painful compromise but a necessary option”, which will bring together the two states to be under the European Union umbrella. In an interview with CNA, Matsakis appears a strong advocate of Turkey’s accession to the EU, saying that this will create a “win-win” situation for everybody concerned and serve everybody’s interests. He appears convinced that Cyprus is not in a position to block Ankara’s accession course. He maintains that his candidacy aims at “rocking the boat of the political establishment where parties have the upper hand in whatever happens” and at “dismissing the myth about bizonal bicommunal federation by providing an alternative solution that may not be what people want but it is feasible and could offer peace.” Matsakis is all but convinced that the share of the vote he garners will determine who the new President of the Republic will be, in that the two candidates who will be in the run off election will need these votes to tip the balance in their favour. The Euro MP is very critical of the political parties in Cyprus, saying ''they are economical with the truth''. He also believes that the parties want to maintain the current status quo in the political establishment. However, he hopes his candidacy, by offering an alternative voice, will “crack” this establishment and give the Cypriots what he calls “a breath of freedom”. Outlining his proposed solution, he says this would involve two independent separate states, united within the EU, without any outside borders, administering their own territory, with a common foreign policy and economy – that of the EU - disconnected from the two motherlands (Greece and Turkey). The right of the refugees to return to their property will be afforded to everybody, and those who will not be able to return, they will be compensated through expropriation of their property by the state the property lies in, through EU funding. Greek Cypriots will have no voting rights if they opt to live in the Turkish Cypriot state and vice versa, he said. Questioned on the restrictions on voting rights, he acknowledged that this is the case but pointed out that “if we want a solution, we have to make concessions, compromises; this is the outcome of the military coup in July 1974, we are paying for our defeat and are trying to save whatever we can.” He says that all Cypriots will enjoy the right to property, settlement and free movement and Famagusta and Morphou will belong to the Greek Cypriot state. Turkish settlers in Cyprus will become the responsibility of the EU who will be either compensated or be settled elsewhere. “This is a necessary solution, a solution providing division, painful but not as painful as the UN solution plan of 2004 or a bizonal bicommunal federation, which is neither functional nor viable,” he told CNA. Matsakis wants both states to join NATO, and military installations on the island to be used by the Alliance, they will not have the right to enter into agreements with either Turkey or Greece. He said his proposal has received “informal but positive reaction”, and warned that if things are left as they are, Cyprus will be divided in the worst possible method. “Given that we were defeated in 1974, that we are not going to find an ideal solution, I am proposing that the Turkish Cypriots control 20% of the country and the Greek Cypriots 80%''. He says the current situation will lead inevitably to de facto division whereby Ankara will control the Turkish Cypriots and the northern part of the country but it will also have a say in the rest of the country. Responding to questions, he said political parties are “deceiving” the electorate by not explaining what a bizonal bicommunal federation actually means. Asked if such a proposal could be acceptable by the international community and Turkey, he had this to say: “this is a compromise but everybody can win through such a solution. Turkey will get rid of the biggest obstacle in its European aspirations, its accession course will sail through, Greco-Turkish relations will improve, the Turkish occupation troops will withdraw, the Turkish military will cease to claim that Cyprus is a threat to its security, Cyprus will join NATO.” Asked how Turkey’s membership bid could have an impact on solution efforts, the Euro MP said that everybody agrees that Turkey’s accession must be supported, including the government of Cyprus because a democratic Turkey is far better a neighbour than a non democratic and hostile Turkey. Commenting on Ankara’s failure to comply with its EU obligations and the possibility of a veto exercised by Greece and Cyprus, he said that “Europe is willing to do away with all sorts of things, make concessions to Turkey, it has never really make a serious recommendation because it needs Turkey and any appeals lack severity and content.” As for a veto from Cyprus or Greece, he was adamant that there is and there will be no Cypriot with “the guts to stand up at a Council meeting and block Turkey’s accession course or block anything for that matter.” On Greece’s role on such issues, he believes that Greece puts Greece first and will continue to put do that. Explaining the reasons he is contesting the elections, he said he wants to feel comfortable with his conscience that he has done all he could for a solution and to “unravel the myth of bizonal bicommunal federation, to crack the party political establishment and free the Cypriots.” On prospects for alliances in the second round of the elections, he said “my candidacy will probably determine who will be elected president and any vote, I get is not a wasted vote.” Matsakis referred to a possible 2-3 per cent of the vote, adding that “those who will be in the run off election will need this percentage.” He expressed dismay at the different alliances he has observed over the years between political parties, saying some have aligned their policies with parties of different political affiliation.
Mai pià Google a colori (?)
1.27.2008
Fate Vobis
''GOVERNO DI SCOPO'' PER LE RIFORME
Citta'' del Vaticano, 27 gen. (Adnkronos) - Non e'' un mistero che
la Chiesa italiana veda con favore, e non da oggi, la ricomposizione
del quadro politico nazionale attraverso due direttirci di fondo:
l''ammorbidimento o la fine dell''esperienza del sistema elettorale
maggioritario e l''apertura di una stagione di dialogo e collaborazione
fra i diversi schieramenti, con l''occhio a quella ''Grosse koalition''
guidata da Angela Merkel che sta segnando la vita politica tedesca dio
questi ultimi anni.
La crisi del governo di Romano Prodi, caduto al Senato giovedi''
scorso, non ha fatto che dare maggior forza a questa opzione nella
quale i vescovi vedono il possibile ruolo positivo delle forze
cattoliche di centro sparse nei due schieramenti e quindi la
valorizzazione di questi temi che sono piu'' cari alla Chiesa. Per
questo all''indomani della caduta del governo il Sir, l''agenzia stampa
della Conferenza episcopale italiana, ha auspicato la fine della
stagione ''''dell''alternanza per disperazione'''' e l''''Avvenire'', il
giornale della Cei, ha chiarito quale fosse il vero mandato degli
elettori consegnato ai partiti e ai loro leader all''indomani delle
ultime elezioni legislative: ''''Prendere atto del sostanziale pareggio
tra i due poli e, comunque, della tendenziale insufficienza politica
del centrosinistra al Senato. E avviare, percio'', una provvisoria e
virtuosa collaborazione tra Unione e CdL tesa a portare l''Italia
finalmente fuori dal guado in cui s''era ritrovata immersa dopo la
traumatica fine della Prima Repubblica''''.
''''Non si seppe e non si volle voltare pagina allora, superando
gli schemi di guerra e le asprezze polemiche della campagna
elettorale appena conclusa. Si volta pagina adesso'''', ha esortato il
quotidiano dei Vescovi, che, sulle convulse ore che seguivano
all''apertura della crisi, ha sottolineato anche come ''''continua ad
aleggiare l''idea di una fase di transizione virtuosa e provvisoria,
buona per l''oggi (potrebbe essere affidata a un ''governo di scopo'') e
fors''anche per il domani. Un''idea che trova motivazioni in auspici
ampiamente trasversali, nella pacata insistenza dell''Udc e nel
significativo invito del Pd, scandito proprio ieri in Senato da Anna
Finocchiaro, a ''non tagliare il filo'' del ''ragionamento comune sulle
riforme costituzionali, elettorali, regolamentari''''''. Insomma un
fronte ampio di riforme, di carattere costituzionale ed elettorale, un
governo di scopo, di cui il giornale dei vescovi non ha precisato la
durata, che dovrebbe portare il Paese fuori dalla crisi che va avanti
dai primi anni ''90. (segue)