Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-02-11

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

Wednesday, February 11, 1998

Lyssarides assumes kingmaker role

THE attempts by both candidates who survived the first round of the elections to secure the backing of smaller parties for this Sunday's ballot was easily the main subject in all the Greek newspapers yesterday.

Phileleftheros says that Edek's decision on whom to support on Sunday seems to be the vital issue.

Edek on Monday presented both Iacovou and Clerides with a seven-page document with policy proposals both on domestic and foreign issues.

The paper says that another key player, United Democrats leader George Vassiliou is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his party's choice for the second round.

Simerini says that Nicos Rolandis, Nicos Koutsou and Alexis Galanos will back the candidacy of President Glafkos Clerides in the second round.

According to the paper the United Democrats will most probably discuss two options. Their voters will either be asked to back Clerides or will be told to vote as they wish.

The paper also reports on the conditions set by Vassos Lyssarides if his socialist Edek party are to support anyone of the two candidates.

Alithia says that the Edek proposals have driven the Akel-Diko coalition and their candidate Iacovou in a tight corner.

The paper says that the national unity government proposal means that Akel will have to accept the participation of Disy people in ministerial positions.

According to the paper no political party is expected to back George Iacovou in the second round. The paper also says that more Diko members appear ready to side with party dissident Alexis Galanos.

Agon says that the Edek proposals point towards national reconciliation.

The paper says that the two candidates were expected to present Edek with their views on the document either yesterday or today.

Edek leader Vassos Lyssarides was expected to meet all the other party leaders yesterday to hand them his party document already presented to President Clerides and George Iacovou.

Haravghi highlights comments by Akel leader Demetris Christofias in which he said that following the election results of the first round it is evident that the people of Cyprus do not approve of President Clerides' policies.

Christofias also calls on Diko members to intensify their efforts for the election of George Iacovou to the presidency.

Machi says that Alexis Galanos was expected to announce yesterday his backing for the candidacy of President Clerides.

The paper also says that as the days go by and with the second round just around the corner President Clerides seems to be gathering more support. It also says that the Edek proposals will lead to the realisation of the long- time `dream' of national unity and reconciliation.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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