DISY President Annita Demetriou stressed the need to continue efforts towards the resumption of substantive Cyprus talks following a meeting of the National Council, acknowledging that contacts in New York had not produced the desired outcome.
Asked separately about the internal dispute within DISY and statements by Averof Neophytou concerning a dinner with Demetriou and one of her close associates, she declined to address the substance of his claims and pointed instead to the party’s democratic procedures.
‘We did not get the result we wanted’
“The reality, following the briefing we received, is that we did not get the result we would have wanted following the United Nations General Assembly,” Demetriou said.
She stressed, however, that efforts must continue to create the conditions necessary for substantive Cyprus talks.
“We must persist on the substance, aiming for real progress, away from any ulterior motives,” she said.
The DISY president also referred to the next diplomatic steps surrounding the Cyprus issue, highlighting the expected visit in October by UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy María Ángela Holguín, as well as the European dimension of the efforts and discussions concerning EU-Turkey relations.
She said these represented opportunities that should be pursued alongside continued diplomatic activity.
“Our highest duty is fewer words, more work and making use of every opportunity that can bring us closer to the desired objective,” Demetriou said, adding that “the responsibility shown by the Democratic Rally is a given”.
What Demetriou said about Neophytou and the dinner
Demetriou was also questioned about the latest developments within DISY following Averof Neophytou’s announcement that he would seek the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election.
In particular, she was asked about claims by the former DISY president that a private promise had been made to him during a dinner with Demetriou and one of her close associates.
“We are here for the Cyprus issue, and allow me to protect the level of political dialogue and the party that I lead. Everything in its own time,” she said.
Demetriou added that her responsibility was “to protect my party through a democratic process, and that is what I will do”.
“Our members will choose, they will have their say. Everything else is unnecessary, to say the least,” she concluded.
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