European Party decides to support Papadopoulos’ candidacy

Cyprus’ hard-line right-wing European Party decided to support the candidacy of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos who will run for reelection during the presidential elections that will take place in February 2008.
European Party’s Central Council approved Wednesday a proposal of the party’s Political Bureau to support Papadopoulos’ candidacy with 169 votes in favour, two against and one abstention.
Speaking before the Central Council, the President of the party Demetris Syllouris said the elections of 2008 are the most important elections ever for Cyprus, noting that they will be the first presidential elections after the country’s accession to the EU and the first elections after the referenda on a UN plan for a settlement in Cyprus. The Annan plan was rejected by Greek Cypriots and approved by the Turkish Cypriots, during April 24 2004 simultaneous referenda.
Syllouris stressed that the settlement of the Cyprus question must respect the Greek Cypriot’s rights.
Centre-left Democratic Party (DIKO), which Papadopoulos led until recently and the Social Democratic Movement EDEK have also decided to back Papadopoulos.
Apart from Papadopoulos, House President and General Secretary of left-wing AKEL Demetris Christofias, former Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, backed by the main opposition party Democratic Rally and former Agriculture Minister Costas Themistocleous have announced their decision to run for the presidency in February.
The European Party secured three seats of the House of Representatives during the parliamentary elections of 2006, with a percentage of 5.73%.