AKEL’s Secretary-General reveals what kind of solution AKEL would support, acknowledges mistakes in Mari and discusses his political career

Stefanos Stefanou admits in “alpha tis Kyriakis” that he would return permanently to Gerolakko even if his village remained under Turkish Cypriot administration in the event of a solution. For him, it is more than enough that the parameters set by his party for a potential solution to the Cyprus problem are met. The situation in Cyprus reminds him of Aachen, Germany—located on the border of Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands—and of a united Europe following World War II. He acknowledges that mistakes were made in handling the crisis triggered by the deadly explosion in Mari, noting that certain matters could have been handled better.

In a candid interview with “Alpha on Sunday,” the General Secretary of AKEL speaks about his love for Omonia, his occupied hometown, and the challenges of the various positions he has held throughout his political career. He recalls Sundays at the old GSP Stadium, the fields of Gerolakko, the invasion and the early years of life as a refugee, and reveals what was happening at the Presidential Palace during those critical first days following the explosion in Mari.