Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-10-23

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Thursday, October 23, 1997

In search of a third candidate

THE WRANGLING between Diko and Disy over the presidential elections took the lion's share of the front-page coverage, followed by the Aeroporos brothers court case.

Phileleftheros reported that "well-known members of Cypriot society" were looking to overcome the Disy-Diko dispute by proposing a third person as a presidential candidate of the alliance. These people were involved in contacts, aimed at creating the conditions that would allow a "well-known personality, who has support from all political persuasions," to stand as candidate.

The picture about their intentions would become clearer in the first 10 days of November, by which time the announcement of the "personality's" candidacy would be made. The people trying to make this happen, did not discount the possibility that some "known candidates" would withdraw, the paper said.

Simerini reported that Disy would "launch a friendship attack" on Diko in order to prevent the withdrawal of Diko from the government. The Disy political bureau had decided that the rift between President Clerides and Spyros Kyprianou should be "approached calmly", with the objective of resolving the differences created.

It also quoted Disy leader Nicos Anastassiades lamenting the fact that the co-operation had not been terminated because of political differences.

Alithia said that, despite taking a decision to end the alliance with Disy, Diko made sure to "leave the window open for the future". It said "political circles" believed that no opposition party was interested in co- operation with Diko (with Kyprianou as candidate). This was confirmed by their reaction to Diko's decision.

It said Diko officials were already discussing with Disy the possibility of the two parties backing a third candidate. However, the Disy leader said his party remained committed to its conference decision to back the candidacy of Clerides.

Haravghi claimed that Akel-backed George Iacovou's candidacy was gathering more supporters every day. It quoted Iacovou as saying he was not surprised by the break-up of the coalition because of "ideological differences between Diko and Disy". He said that Diko "is a clearly democratic party which belongs to the progressive camp and which has served the country."

Machi reported that the Aeroporos brothers court case was one of the costliest in Cyprus legal history. Apart from the unprecedented security measures taken at the court, the brothers have secured the services of British lawyer at a cost of £35,000.

© Copyright 1997 Cyprus Mail

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