Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-10-30

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Thursday, October 30, 1997

Clerides keeps everybody guessing

THE Greek papers yesterday continued the speculation as to whether President Clerides will stand for a second term. Most of them also carried stories on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

Phileleftheros says that the United States are reconsidering their tactics in their efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

The paper says that the US tend to believe that confidence-building measures are a waste of time and that they should instead aim for an overall solution to the Cyprus issue.

It is revealed that the US and Britain are promoting the idea of the issue of legal documents by the UN on the Cyprus problem.

Machi says that President Clerides is expected to reshuffle his cabinet if the Diko ministers of his administration follow party line and quit their posts.

What is not yet clear the paper says is if President Clerides will appoint Disy party favourites to fill those posts or if he will go ahead with the appointment of individuals not aligned with political parties.

Simerini says that Akel's secretary general has ruled out the possibility of his party forging a coalition with Diko to back a candidate other than the communist party's choice, George Iacovou.

Demetris Christofias also criticised Clerides for not announcing his candidacy in order to shorten the pre-election period, something which suits his plans for re-election.

Haravghi's main story on the other hand deals with the rumours surrounding Attorney General Alecos Markides' plans for the February elections.

The paper says that Markides seems to be almost sure to run for the presidential elections despite a reaction from Disy.

Alithia says that some Clerides aides are pressuring the President to announce his candidacy sooner that he plans.

The paper says that an early announcement of his intention to run for a second term should pre-empt moves by Markides sympathisers within or close to Disy party to promote the Attorney General's candidacy.

Agon says that following the sudden death of Dhali mayor Yiannis Groutas the parties will get a chance to measure their strength in view of the presidential elections early next year.

The paper says that Akel has a strong following in Dhali, and reports that it will be interesting to see if Diko and Disy can join forces to secure the mayorship.

© Copyright 1997 Cyprus Mail

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