**Title: Annita Demetriou Expresses Anger Over Averof Neophytou's Comments on Cyprus Problem**
Disy leader Annita Demetriou has reportedly expressed significant frustration regarding remarks made by her predecessor, Averof Neophytou, who has placed blame on the party for past failures concerning the Cyprus issue. The comments, which have sparked considerable internal discussion, were highlighted in a report by Phileleftheros.
Neophytou's statements accused both Disy and Akel, the two traditional pro-settlement political forces in Cyprus, of neglecting the pursuit of a resolution to the Cyprus problem due to the political repercussions associated with such efforts. He pointed to historical events, asserting that Akel should be held accountable for rejecting the American-British-Canadian plan in 1978 and the Annan Plan in 2004. Furthermore, he criticized Disy for allegedly "burying" the Ghali set of ideas and claimed that the party bears chief responsibility for the failure of the Crans Montana talks.
The remarks have reportedly incited strong reactions within Disy, with sources indicating that Demetriou was particularly "furious" over Neophytou's accusations. Senior party officials convened to discuss the situation, ultimately deciding against an immediate public rebuttal, despite the strong sentiments expressed internally. The leadership's decision reflects a desire to avoid an open confrontation with Neophytou, as they believe that such a dispute could compel Disy to confront its own record regarding the Cyprus problem and potentially exacerbate existing internal divisions.
Concerns were raised among party members about the potentially "self-destructive" nature of Neophytou's comments. Some officials questioned the implications of his public criticism on his aspirations for the 2028 presidential election nomination, suggesting that such attacks on the party's record could hinder his chances.
One of the most contentious points raised by Neophytou was his criticism of the Ghali ideas, which were introduced in 1992 by then-UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali as a framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus. This particular critique has been described by party insiders as an "original sin," indicating the deep-seated sensitivities surrounding the topic within Disy.
Neophytou's remarks regarding the failure of the Crans Montana talks were perceived as less surprising, as he has previously addressed this issue multiple times. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Cyprus problem continues to be a significant concern for political leaders in Cyprus, with various factions holding differing views on how best to approach a resolution.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Disy will navigate the internal tensions sparked by Neophytou's comments and whether they will ultimately choose to address the criticisms publicly or maintain a more reserved stance. The party's leadership faces the challenge of balancing the need for unity while also addressing the historical complexities surrounding the Cyprus issue.