A war of words has erupted between AKEL and DISY over the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Cyprus. AKEL, in its statement, described Herzog’s visit as a provocation, given Israel’s ongoing actions in Palestine and the wider Middle East.
AKEL’s statement
“The visit of the Israeli President to our country, at a time when Israel continues genocide and mass atrocities in Palestine and the entire Middle East, is a brutal provocation.
The guest of President Christodoulides is the head of the war machine that is currently exterminating the Palestinian people, invading neighbouring states, attacking the UN, and trampling on every notion of justice and morality.
AKEL supports the two protest demonstrations organised by the Pan-Cyprian Peace Council tomorrow, Thursday, 9 January 2025:
- At the Larnaca Airport roundabout, at 16:00, and
- At the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, at 16:30.
The Cypriot people are, and must be, on the side of peace and justice, not on the side of occupying forces and murderers.”
DISY’s response
In response, DISY issued a statement accusing AKEL of advocating for Cyprus to sever diplomatic relations with a strong regional power.
“AKEL wants us to cut all diplomatic ties with a powerful country in the region. The real provocation is AKEL’s statement, not the Israeli President’s visit.
Cyprus must remain a pillar of security and cooperation with all countries in the region, building bridges, not tearing them down.
AKEL’s political direction essentially means isolating our country and aligning with extreme movements and radical Islamist states. This approach clearly goes against the interests of our homeland and undermines our role and alliances in the region.”
Also read: President of Israel to meet with Cyprus President in Nicosia
