Averof Neofytou's public intervention on the Cyprus problem

In August 2026, former DISY president Averof Neofytou sparked significant political debate through a series of interviews and social media posts. Neofytou emphasized that the national interest supersedes party loyalty, declaring his willingness to support President Nikos Christodoulides in finding a resolution to the Cyprus problem, provided there is a genuine commitment to progress.

Neofytou acknowledged historical errors committed by both the AKEL and DISY parties, specifically citing the rejection of the Ghali ideas and the failure at Crans-Montana. He further criticized AKEL for its 2003 decision to support Tassos Papadopoulos in the presidential elections, arguing that this prioritization of power over a viable solution contributed to the ultimate rejection of the Annan Plan in 2004. He noted that the political environment at the time, marked by the election of a hardline candidate and the opening of checkpoints shortly thereafter, undermined the potential for a peaceful settlement.

The current status of these discussions remains within the realm of public debate, as Neofytou continues to advocate for a pragmatic approach to the Cyprus issue, moving beyond historical grievances to address modern political challenges.