Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-01-13

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

Tuesday, January 13, 1998

Initiative debate drags on

THE outings of the presidential candidates and speeches they made at several gatherings over the weekend as well as the continuing military exercises by Turkey in the Aegean were the main subjects of Monday's newspapers.

Phileleftheros says that presidential candidates George Iacovou and Glafkos Clerides continued during speeches in Paphos to row as to whether there is a US initiative to solve the Cyprus problem or not.

The paper says that Clerides has finally agreed to participate in a televised debate as soon as the TV channels make the arrangements.

On another issue the paper says that the Americans are preparing to have another go at attempting to bridge the differences between Nato allies Greece and Turkey.

The paper says that they will try to secure a statement from Turkey that the issue of the islet of Imia will be referred to the International Court of Hague.

Alithia, along with all other papers, highlights the cold spell which hit Cyprus on Sunday, with temperatures dropping to 5C below at some places.

The paper also reports that Akel will have some of its members at ministerial posts if Iacovou is elected.

It also quotes Edek leader Vassos Lyssarides as saying that Iacovou might pay dearly for his arrogance.

Iacovou had said that he is mainly concerned with President Clerides and not other candidates.

Simerini says that Diko will deal this week with its members who have broken ranks over the party's decision to support Iacovou in next month's presidential elections.

According to the paper Alexis Galanos and Dinos Michaelides will probably be banned from the party.

The paper also says that both the US and Britain have now diverted their attention to Ankara to secure a more positive stance from their Nato ally on the Cyprus problem.

To Tharros says that Diko has already secured seven ministries to be filled by members of the party if Iacovou is elected in February.

The paper says that Akel on the other hand will probably have four ministers in an Iacovou administration.

Agon says that two opinion polls conducted recently show President Clerides leading Iacovou in the first round of the elections by two percentage points.

The paper says that the poll shows Clerides leading with 41 per cent. According to the same poll Diko's percentage is estimated at 10 per cent.

According to Haravghi though Akel-backed candidate George Iacovou is gaining supporters within the electorate which might secure him election in the first round.

The paper says that Iacovou's Sunday speech in Limassol was so well attended that victory in the first round is not impossible.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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