Government spokesman calls Neophytou’s Cyprus problem remarks counterproductive

Nicosia, Cyprus. Deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou on Monday called former Disy leader Averof Neophytou’s comments on the Cyprus problem “counterproductive”. Neophytou had said a day earlier that his calls for progress had fallen on “deaf ears”.

Antoniou warns against divisions

Speaking to television channel Alpha, Antoniou said that presenting oneself as “the leader of the solution” could imply, even unintentionally, that others did not want a solution or were not trying to achieve one.

He said it was counterproductive to send such a message internally while efforts were being made to overcome what he described as Turkey’s intransigence. Referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks at the general assembly, Antoniou urged politicians who care about a solution to be especially careful.

Antoniou also said Neophytou’s announcement that he would run for president in 2028 meant the election campaign was starting too early.

Neophytou says talks remain stalled

On Sunday, Neophytou said the “window of hope” for the Cyprus problem remained closed and that nothing had been agreed after high-level contacts in New York. He said dead ends persisted, warned that time was not working in Cyprus’ favour and said negotiations had not even begun.

Neophytou said he shared the desire of many compatriots for a national awakening and mobilisation toward reunification and an end to the occupation. He called for what he described as “patriotic vigilance” to overcome passivity, resignation and de facto acceptance of the status quo.