President clashes with Papadopoulos but has Garoyian and Akel’s support

Online newsletter newzup.net says that Diko leader Nikolas Papadopoulos infuriated President Anastasiades with his stance during their meeting today regarding the joint statement, particularly over his attitude that the President would be unable to govern without his party.

President Anastasiades told Papadopoulos in no uncertain words that unless the Turkish side changes its stand, we are on a one-way road with no return. The atmosphere between the two was icy and neither man made any attempt to change it. It is up to the Diko party’s decision-making bodies to decide as to whether to “remain in the government or go.”

President Anastasiades then met with the former Diko president Marios Garoyian, which went very well in a very good atmosphere, with the latter saying that he is fully aware of how crucial things are for the future of the country, and that he fully supports his efforts and differentiates himself from Papadopoulos as regards leaving the government before talks even begin.

Earlier, President Anastasiades met with the Secretary-General of Akel, Andros Kyprianou, and the head of the party’s Cyprus office, Toumazos Tsielepis. This meeting also went well, with Akel assuring the President that he had the party’s support in the talks provided he consults them and keeps them informed of developments.