Annan pushes Cyprus plan
Talks begin today aimed at reuniting Cyprus.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan hosts reunification discussions with Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash today at the United Nations in New York.
On Monday he said the divided Mediterranean island had an historic opportunity to secure long-term peace.
Both parties are under pressure from international leaders to reunify Cyprus ahead of the country’s entry into the European Union on May 1.
Mr Annan called on Cypriots people to press the country’s leadership to embrace the United Nations for peace and stability.
He wants Cypriots to vote in a referendum in April about their country’s future. The UN reunification plan paves the way for a single state with Greek and Turkish Cypriot federal regions united by a central government.
“I hope the people of Cyprus will press their leaders not to miss this opportunity,” The UN secretary general said.
“A unified Cyprus entering the European Union will really help reduce tensions in the Aegean region, it will improve relations all around in the region, and it will also facilitate Turkey’s entry into Europe.”
Should the people remain divided, EU laws and benefits will apply to the Greek Cypriot south but not the Turkish-occupied north on May 1st.
Cyprus has been at odds with herself after Ankara invaded the north in 1974 in response to a military coup planned by Greece.
Papadapoulos said Sunday he was heading to New York with “good will” and hoped Denktash shared the same sentiment.
“We have always supported the start of talks based on the Annan plan and our goal remains to reach a settlement by May 1st,” said the Greek Cypriot leader.
