Cyprus reunification referendum, 2004

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Divided Cyprus

The two communities of the divided island of Cyprus held a referendum on reunification on Saturday 24 April 2004. Voters in the Greek Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus portions of the island were asked to choose between ratifying or rejecting a United Nations proposal for reunification, the "Annan Plan".

Table of contents

Results

Community	Yes	No	Turnout
Northern Cyprus (Turkish)	64.90%	35.09%	87%
Southern Cyprus (Greek)	24.17%	75.83%	88%

Since the Greek community failed to ratify and implementation of the plan was dependent on its approval by both communities, reunification will not now take place. Immediately, this means that only the Greek side will accede to the European Union on 1 May 2004. Had the plan been ratified by both sides, a reunited Cyprus would have entered the EU as the United Cyprus Republic.

Aftermath

The international reaction to the result was characterized by deep disappointment, particularly among those bodies that had worked on the Annan Plan and on the EU accession arrangments.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan: A unique and historic chance to resolve the Cyprus problem has been missed.
Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos: I should emphasise that the Greek Cypriots have not rejected the solution of the Cyprus problem. They are not turning their backs on their Turkish Cypriot compatriots. They have simply rejected this particular solution on offer.
Turkish Cypriot President Rauf Denktash: There must be no uncertainty caused by futile attempts to force incompatible parties together.
European Commission: The European Commission deeply regrets that the Greek Cypriot community did not approve the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, but it respects the democratic decision of the people.
US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher: We are disappointed that a majority of Greek Cypriots voted against the settlement plan. Failure of the referendum in the Greek Cypriot community is a setback to the hopes of those on the island who voted for the settlement and to the international community.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Günter Verheugen: I feel cheated by the Greek Cypriot government... There is a shadow now over the accession of Cyprus. What we will seriously consider now is finding a way to end the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.
UN Special Envoy Álvaro de Soto: This evening I'm biting my tongue.

External link

The Annan reunification plan: text and commentary from the UN
BBC News: prior to the vote
BBC News: results coverage