A newly formed political party in Cyprus called on Friday for the country to abandon the long-standing framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation as the basis for resolving the Cyprus issue.
Speaking at the launch of the party Democratic Change in Nicosia, party leader Christos Clerides said the current period represented a “golden opportunity” to move away from the federation model.
'Anti-corruption measures'
Clerides said the party’s political platform rests on six main pillars, including state reform, a new approach to the Cyprus problem, stronger anti-corruption measures, support for displaced persons, policies to address declining birth rates and measures to tackle irregular migration.
On the Cyprus issue, he said the party aims to reposition the matter internationally as one of invasion and occupation, based on the protection of human rights. He also called for a “Plan B” strategy, including the practical revival of the joint defence doctrine with Greece and increased defence spending.
Clerides also advocated abandoning the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, arguing that Turkey had already rejected the model.
“It is at least foolish to insist on something the other side does not accept,” he said.
Divisive policies by the British
He also called for a review of the status of the British sovereign bases in Cyprus, saying such a move could place pressure on the United Kingdom to reconsider what he described as divisive policies regarding Cyprus.
Among other priorities, Clerides said the party would push for measures to combat corruption, including separating the powers of the attorney general, strengthening the anti-corruption authority, increasing penalties for corruption offences and accelerating the investigation and trial of such cases.
The party also pledged to protect properties in the Turkish-occupied north and provide greater financial support to refugees displaced since the 1974 division of the island.
'Rethinking federation framework'
Asked about the party’s prospects of entering parliament, Clerides said the movement was starting “from zero” but aimed to gain representation.
“The goal is to enter parliament, but Democratic Change was not created only for that,” he said. “It was created to become a political force that will bring change.”
Clerides also argued that developments since the early 1990s, including Cyprus’s accession to the European Union in 2004, justified rethinking the federation framework endorsed in earlier United Nations resolutions.
He said the rejection of the Annan Plan by Greek Cypriot voters in 2004 showed that the existing model no longer had public support.