DIKO votes to stay in government coalition

Democratic Party (DIKO) Central Committee members voted last night by an overwhelming majority to stay in the government coalition.

From last night’s ballot, 124 members of the central committee voted to stay in the government while 46 voted to leave. There were two abstentions.

In statements after the meeting, DIKO President Marios Garoyian expressed satisfaction with the “sound and clear decision” of the Central Committee and assured that he will work with responsibility, determination and in line with DIKO’s positions to use the party's presence in the government coalition to the benefit of the country and its people and to work for a Cyprus settlement.

DIKO have expressed objections to the handling of the Cyprus problem by President Christofias, which were also voiced during Tuesday’s meeting.

Cyprus' Socialists Party, EDEK Social Democrats' Movement, decided on February 8 to withdraw from the government coalition. After this, the two Socialist Ministers members of the Council of Ministers submitted their letters of resignation to President Christofias but continue their ministerial duties until they are replaced.