Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-01-21

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

Wednesday, January 21, 1998

War of words continues

WITH the presidential elections less than a month away Disy and the Akel- Diko coalition continue their war of words and the Greek newspapers appear more than ready to report the various confrontations.

Phileleftheros says that it seems that in the next few days the bone of contention will be the numerous polls commissioned by political parties and presidential candidates.

The paper quotes Edek leader Vassos Lyssarides as saying that he totally rejects rumours that have Greek PM Costas Simitis pressuring him to influence his party to vote for President Clerides in the second round of the February 8 elections.

On another issue the paper says that Justice and Public Order minister Nicos Koshis has called a meeting to discuss the recent violence incidents in soccer matches.

Simerini reports that dissident Diko officials Dinos Michaelides and Katerina Pantelidou had lunch with Diko MP Alexis Galanos on Sunday.

The paper says that the main subject of the discussion was the candidacy of Alexis Galanos for the presidency. According to the paper it should come as no surprise if Michaelides goes public with his preference for Galanos in the next few days.

Alithia says that Dinos Michaelides said that Diko leader Spyros Kyprianou should resign his post as President of the House of Representatives.

Michaelides mentioned that since Kyprianou was elected to the post with the support of Disy he should resign. He also called for the resignation of Diko-backed members of Boards of Directors of semi-government organisations.

Agon reports on the US State Department Special Envoy for Cyprus Thomas Miller's visit to Athens.

According to the paper Miller was expected to focus his attention on Greco- Turkish disputes rather than the Cyprus problem while in Greece.

Machi reports that as the elections approach more Diko officials are going public with their opposition to their party's backing of George Iacovou for president.

The paper says that four party members from Limassol and eleven from Nicosia have expressed their objections.

Haravghi reports that the Clerides administration has been very sloppy in its handling of the Cyprus problem.

According to the paper Clerides has made a habit of announcing serious developments to take place right after the elections during the various social gatherings he attends.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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