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The members of the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus question, comprising parliamentary parties, have codified their working method.
Speaking after a Council meeting on Monday, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou said that President Demetris Christofias presented a specific proposal, having seriously taking into account the parties’ positions and recommendations.
“After that, a creative and constructive dialogue took place, which led to the codification of the role and the way the Council will operate,” he said.
Stephanou noted that the National Council is an advisory body to the President, it provides a forum for discussion and it serves as a decision making body on the Cyprus question.
It comprises parliamentary parties, which are represented at the meetings by their presidents and one of their members. The former Presidents of the Republic of Cyprus and the House President, if he is not a leader of a political party, also participate in the meetings of the Council. The former Presidents have the right to speak during the meetings but not to vote.
“In cases of unanimity by the parties, the President is obliged to implement the decision. However, if the President strongly disagrees with the decision, he can resort to a referendum. Majority is ascertained according to the electoral strength of the political parties”, he explained.
“The National Council will convene on a regular basis, every two months, and in emergency cases, decided by the President or at the request of the members of the body”, Stephanou added.
Spokesman also said that the President has the right to invite the political party leaders for a briefing, if and when necessary. “The political parties have the right to publish their views, but not to reveal the content of the discussion of the Council, nor the other political parties’ positions at a meeting”, he noted.
Replying to questions, Stephanou described the codification of the National Council’s operating method and role as a very important step forward.
Finally, Stephanou pointed out that the National Council as the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem will convene when there are developments on the Cyprus issue.
