The Cyprus problem remains a top priority for the Democratic Rally (DISY), which stands ready to contribute to efforts to restart meaningful negotiations, party leader Annita Demetriou said, addressing DISY’s Kyrenia District Council. According to a party announcement, Demetriou said DISY remains committed to keeping alive the prospect of a solution, stressing that “we will not settle for half a homeland”. She added that the Cyprus problem “does not lend itself to petty party interests and patriotic one-upmanship”. DISY, she said, is following developments in New York and is waiting for the work of the UN General Assembly to conclude before assessing its outcome.
Push for an occupied property fund
Turning to refugees from Kyrenia, Demetriou spoke of the consequences of the Turkish invasion, the occupation and displacement, setting a fairer refugee policy as a priority. In this context, she said DISY would continue to take legislative initiatives and submit specific proposals, with particular emphasis on its proposal to create a Fund for the Loss of Use of Occupied Properties. “We will not back down. We will not give up until our proposal for the Fund for the Loss of Use of Occupied Properties passes in parliament,” Demetriou said, adding that the proposed fund would cover all owners of properties in the occupied areas.
The DISY leader also stressed that the party does not wish merely to watch developments but to help shape them. She outlined the party’s positions on reforms, Cyprus’s European course, strengthening international relations, defence and security, economic growth and the welfare state. DISY, she said, will continue to defend its policies and principles against populism and “simplistic solutions”, arguing that Cyprus needs credibility, seriousness, strategy and national unity. Closing her address, Demetriou pointed to the party’s continuous contact with its grassroots, saying the aim is to inform members, hold dialogue with them and record their concerns and proposals.
Source: CNA
