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Statement Attributable to the Spokesman of the Secretary General on the Outcome of the Referenda in Cyprus
Nicosia, Cyprus
April
24, 2004
The
Secretary-General notes the outcome of the separate simultaneous referenda held
today in Cyprus on the settlement plan finalized on 31 March 2004. Since it was
approved in the Turkish Cypriot referendum but not in the Greek Cypriot
referendum, the Foundation Agreement will not enter into force.
The
Secretary-General respects the outcome of the two referenda. He knows that for
many Cypriots the decision how to vote was a difficult one. The goal of the
effort over the last four and a half years has been to bring about reunification
so as to enable a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union. That goal has not
been achieved. A unique and historic chance to resolve the Cyprus problem has
been missed.
The
Secretary-General intends to give careful thought to the implications of
today’s result. Meanwhile, Cyprus will remain divided and militarized as it
accedes to the European Union, and the benefits of a settlement will not be
realized.
The
Secretary-General applauds the Turkish Cypriots, who approved the plan
notwithstanding the significant sacrifices that it entailed for many of them. He
regrets that the Turkish Cypriots will not equally enjoy the benefits of EU
membership as of 1 May 2004, but he hopes that ways will be found to ease the
plight in which the people find themselves through no fault of their own.
Together
with a broad cross-section of the international community, the Secretary-General
remains convinced that the settlement plan put to the two sides in today’s
referenda represents a fair, viable and carefully balanced compromise -- one
that conforms with the long-agreed parameters for a solution, and with the
Security Council’s vision for a settlement and meets the minimum requirements
of all concerned. Clearly, a large majority of the Greek Cypriot electorate did
not share that judgment today. He hopes that they may nevertheless arrive at a
different view in the fullness of time, after a profound and sober assessment of
today’s decision. For a settlement to the long-standing Cyprus problem would
benefit the people of Cyprus, as well as the region and the wider international
community.
The
Secretary-General will report to the Security Council in due course. The Council
may wish to evaluate the outcome and its implications.
The
Secretary-General appreciates the strong backing that the plan received from
many political figures on both sides. He is grateful that Greece and Turkey, the
Security Council, the European Union and the broader international community
stood ready to throw their support behind the Cypriots and work to ensure full
implementation. Above all, he is thankful to his Special Adviser and his
outstanding team, as well as for the dedication of many people from all walks of
life in Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike, who struggled for
reunification and reconciliation.
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