Independent In-depth Paragraph by Paragraph Analysis of the Implications of the Annan Plan

Foundation Agreement

Article 5 The federal government

2. The Office of Head of State is vested in the Presidential Council, which shall exercise the executive power:

b. The Presidential Council shall strive to reach decisions by consensus. Where it fails to reach consensus, it shall, unless otherwise specified, take decisions by simple majority of members voting, provided this comprises at least one member from each constituent state.

Comments

No other member state of the European Union is governed by committee. The system describe above is a recipe for instability, indecision and complete deadlock and is not even democratic since the people do not even get a chance to vote for who is to be president and the 6 members of the so-called presidential cannot even be brought to account by the people. How can decisions be made when there is a de-facto right of veto. How can Cyprus maintain its EU commitments and responsibilities and sustain as stable economy and foreign policy when there is no mechanism for imposing the will of the president. This method of governance is completely impractical, dysfunctional and unacceptable in a European democracy. The above paragraph must be amended so that Cypriot can remain a stable and function properly as a member of the EU and coordinate meaningful policy. As the old saying goes too many cooks spoil the broth. There can only bed one president and he must ultimately be responsible for making the decisions.

Amendment Required

2. The Office of Head of State is vested in the President, who shall exercise the executive power in consultation with the councils of ministers

b. The President shall strive to reach decisions thought consultations with the Council of Ministers. Where they fail to agree or reach consensus, the President shall take decisions alone paying full respect to the opinion of the council and that of the people. i) if the decision if the president is considered to be unconstitutional by the constitutional court and a qualified majority of a full quorum of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies then the president may be removed from office and an immediate presidential election called.

Clarification Required