Disy leaders reportedly angered by Neophytou’s Cyprus problem criticism

Nicosia, Cyprus. Disy leader Annita Demetriou was reportedly angered by comments from former party leader Averof Neophytou, who accused Disy of responsibility for past failures on the Cyprus problem.

Senior party officials discussed the matter and decided against issuing an immediate public response, according to Phileleftheros.

Neophytou’s accusations

Neophytou accused the two traditional pro-settlement forces, Disy and Akel, of setting aside the Cyprus problem because of the political cost of pursuing a solution.

He said history would credit Akel for rejecting the American-British-Canadian plan in 1978 and the Annan Plan in 2004. He also accused Disy of “burying” the Ghali set of ideas and of bearing chief responsibility for the collapse of the Crans Montana talks.

Party reaction

According to Phileleftheros, Neophytou’s comments caused particular anger within Disy, with one official describing Demetriou as “furious” over the accusations.

Senior officials considered issuing a rebuttal but concluded on Tuesday that the party should avoid an open confrontation for the time being.

Concerns over internal divisions

Party officials were reportedly concerned that a public dispute with Neophytou would require Disy to confront its own record on the Cyprus problem and could intensify internal divisions.

Some party figures described Neophytou’s intervention as potentially “self-destructive” and questioned whether he could still seek the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election after publicly criticising its record.

The criticism of the Ghali ideas was reported to have caused particular irritation within Disy, with party circles describing the issue as an “original sin”.