**Averof Neofytou Signals Presidential Bid Amid Cyprus Talks**
Former leader of the Democratic Rally party (Disy), Averof Neofytou, has announced his intention to run for the presidency again if there is no significant progress on the Cyprus issue during the upcoming talks in New York this weekend. Speaking on the Omega television channel, Neofytou expressed his concerns regarding the negotiations, stating, “if, God forbid, the weekend is bleak, a dead end, and nothing moves, Averof will be a candidate.”
Neofytou's comments come as President Nikos Christodoulides prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to emphasize the Greek Cypriot side's commitment to resuming negotiations on the long-standing Cyprus problem. Christodoulides is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday to discuss the situation further.
In his remarks, Neofytou criticized both Disy and the left-wing party Akel, accusing them of neglecting the Cyprus issue due to the political ramifications associated with pursuing a resolution. He pointed out historical instances where he believes both parties failed to capitalize on opportunities for settlement, including the rejection of the American British Canadian plan in 1978 and the Annan Plan in 2004 by Akel. Neofytou also held Disy responsible for the collapse of the Crans-Montana talks in 2017, suggesting that the party had “buried” the Ghali set of ideas.
In a related development, fellow potential presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis also appeared on the program. Mavroyiannis, who has indicated that he is considering a run, mentioned that he has received unofficial polling data suggesting he is currently leading in public support for the upcoming presidential race. However, he plans to wait until the end of the year to make a final decision regarding his candidacy. Mavroyiannis described the polling results as “food for thought” and noted a growing sense of support around his name. He expressed his openness to collaborating with various political forces, excluding those on the far right, and acknowledged Neofytou as a “formidable opponent” based on their previous debates.
As the weekend talks in New York approach, the political landscape in Cyprus remains dynamic, with key figures like Neofytou and Mavroyiannis positioning themselves in anticipation of the outcomes of these negotiations. The developments in New York will likely play a crucial role in shaping the upcoming presidential election and the broader discourse surrounding the Cyprus issue.