By Elias Hazou
ARCHBISHOP Chrysostomos has come down hard on a subordinate who suggested that the policies of the Papadopoulos administration
are cementing partition.
The partition comments came from Bishop Neophytos of Morphou. Speaking at an anti-occupation event organised by refugees hailing from the occupied town,
Neophytos had warned of the dangers of the status quo turning into permanent partition.
Neophytos' remark sparked a no-holds-barred attack from the Prelate, whose public image is strongly pro-government.
"The holy brother deserves whatever he gets," said the Archbishop of Neophytos.
"If, between the present situation and the Annan plan, he would choose the latter, then really what can you say to him?"
He added: "It is common knowledge the Annan plan would have dissolved the Republic. We would have no status left. We've been through this a thousand
times.
"Now, if some people don't understand this, well then we can't rip their heads apart and insert our views. It can't be done."
Chrysostomos seemed to take particular offense at Neophytos' dig that the government was doing nothing to push forward a settlement.
"I know of no agreement that would have served the interests of the people of Cyprus - an agreement that would have allowed them to return to the land of
their fathers - that was rejected by any political leadership.
"The Cypriot people desire a democratic, viable, workable, normal solution. The thing they desire less is the present situation. But since we have not
been offered something better, should we leave what we have and accept what is worse? These things are crystal clear. Those who cannot see and bury their heads
in the sand can say whatever they want."
Neophytos had no comeback to Chrysostomos' barrage, except to say that "these accusations do not concern me."
It is not the first time the two clerics have been at loggerheads over politics. Bishop Neophytos had supported the Annan plan for reunification, and was the
one who reached agreement with the Turkish side on resuming services at the occupied church of Ayios Mamas in 2004.
The holding of the service had divided politicians on both sides of the divide. Some objected to the possibility that Greek Cypriot pilgrims crossing to the
north would be forced to show passports, in what would be an indirect recognition of the breakaway regime. Others pointed to the pro-reunification spirit of
the event.
