Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-02-17

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

Tuesday, February 17, 1998

Clerides stresses national unity

THE victory of Glafcos Clerides in Sunday's presidential election was easily the main story in all Greek newspapers on Monday.

Phileleftheros reports that following his win with 50.82 per cent of the vote Clerides, in his speech before thousands of Disy supporters, stressed that unity of the people was his utmost priority.

The paper says that Clerides promised that he will go ahead with his plans for the formation of a national unity government. The paper points out that Clerides issued an invitation to Akel to participate in the new administration.

According to the paper, George Iacovou, who received 49.18 per cent of the vote, assured that he will be present to help in the efforts to find a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

Alithia says that Clerides' win was actually a victory for Cyprus and its people.

The paper says that the people voted for unity on Sunday and that the victory shot Clerides into an ethnarch status.

The paper also reports that a Turkish journalist who crossed the Green Line to cover the elections was detained briefly after admitting to carrying a gun in his bag. Following questioning by Cyprus police the journalist was set free.

Simerini reports that Diko dissident Alexis Galanos was cheered by Disy supporters during the victory rally for President Clerides at the Eleftheria stadium in Nicosia.

Regarding Clerides' speech on Sunday night the paper points out that the President focused on the need for unity in Cyprus.

Agon is the only paper with information on the new Council of Ministers to be formed by Clerides.

The paper says that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Justice and Public Order will retain their ministries. Diko's Dinos Michaelides and Andreas Moushiouttas as well as United Democrats Michalis Papapetrou will be some of the new ministers. Clerides is also planning to give two ministries to Edek supporters.

To Tharros says that the people of Cyprus have shown that they trust President Clerides to lead the country to Europe.

The paper says that this was a heavy defeat for Akel who have been unable to elect a President for the second time in a row.

Akel-backed Haravghi says that the Clerides victory was slim, something which honours George Iacovou, who had to fight an unjust battle.

The paper says that Akel leader Demetris Christofias has vowed to continue the fight for a just solution to the Cyprus problem and social justice despite Sunday's defeat.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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