GREEK CYPRIOT REJECTION A DISAPPOINTMENT - FOREIGN SECRETARY

The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw expressed his disappointment today after the Greek Cypriot community voted to reject the plan put forward by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the reunification of Cyprus.

In simultaneous referenda, Greek Cypriots rejected the plan by 75.8%, Turkish Cypriots voted 64.9% in support of the plan.

Mr Straw said: 'I was saddened by the decision of a majority of Greek Cypriot voters to reject the settlement, despite the prospect it offered of reuniting the island, providing long-sought relief for the refugees of 1974, and progressively lifting the weight of militarisation – all this within the framework of political stability and economic security which European Union membership provides.

'We will respect the choice which Greek Cypriots have expressed today. But I hope that they will continue to reflect on whether this choice is the right one for them.

'I am glad that the Turkish Cypriot community has voted so clearly for the settlement. The result shows what a fundamental change of attitude has taken place within the Turkish Cypriot community in recent years.

'I understand very well their wish to end their isolation in the world, to join with Greek Cypriots in a reunified island, and to move together into the European Union which is the best guarantee for the future of their collective security and prosperity. I want them to know that this remains our goal too, and that we will continue to work for its ultimate realisation.

'Meanwhile I would like to assure all Cypriots that, if at any point in the future both communities decide in favour of a comprehensive settlement which would reunify the island in the European Union, the United Kingdom, as a Guarantor Power, a permanent member of the Security Council and a leading EU member state, not to mention a long-standing friend and supporter of Cyprus, will be exerting all its efforts to ensure that the settlement is the practical and political success which Cypriots have so long deserved.'

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