Greek community leaders lamented yesterday the downgrading of the Cyprus issue by the 45th National Conference.
Credible sources told the Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE) that during the last day of the conference right wing leaders, prompted by the pro-Turkish lobby, spared no effort in their attempt to impede the adoption of a communique restating ALP commitment to the achievement of a just, viable solution to the Cyprus issue under the auspices of the United Nations.
Backstage factional bargaining during the entire duration curbed the resistance of the “objectors” and a draft of a communique was tabled by NSW MLC Amanda Fazio and seconded by Jim Tangas.
The full text of the communique is as follows:
“Labor will work to facilitate a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions respecting sovereignty, independence and the territorial integrity of Cyprus, and resulting in the demilitarisation and reunification of the island for the benefit of its entire people.
Labor welcomes the resumption of the full fledged negotiations between Dimitris Christofias and Mehmetali Talat under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary General with the intention of reaching these aims.”
While the text of the communique reflects the long standing policy of the Labour Party on the Cyprus issue, community leaders expressed disappointment at the decision of the Conference to exclude the Cyprus issue from Labour’s foreign affairs platform.
NKEE understands that proposed speakers against the exclusion of the Cyprus issue from the party’s platform, were gagged by factional adversaries on the advice of powerful right wing leaders from Victoria.