Statement by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos on the Outcome of the Referenda 

Nicosia, Cyprus

April 24, 2004
 
Tonight there are no winners or losers. It is certainly not a night for a celebration. Our country does not have the luxury to separate or distinguish amongst its citizens. Our future greatly depends on its people being united. 
I should emphasize 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, for many reasons, but mainly because, amongst other, they did not believe that this solution provides the necessary safeguards for its full implementation in the depth of time; or is the best for the common interest of Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots, ensuring a functional and, therefore, viable solution. The only real beneficiary of this plan would have been Turkey. 

We shall work for a bizonal bicommunal federation as a solution that will meet the hopes and expectations of both communities. 

In the meantime, and further to the measures adopted in favour of Turkish Cypriots over the last year, proof of our intentions are the new measures of support and economic development of the Turkish-Cypriot compatriots, to the extent possible and permissible, in the benefits which our accession to the European Union will bring. 
I call upon everyone, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to work together towards a united Cyprus. Our road will not be paved with roses; there will be difficulties ahead, but we will not be deterred. 

The result of today’s referendum must act as a catalyst for unification for unification and not as a pretext for further division. We, Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots, deserve a safe future within the European family, as one country, as the one people of Cyprus.

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