Statement of the Czech MFA on the Results of the Referendums in Cyprus
28.04.2004 / 13:47 | Aktualizováno: 26.01.2009 / 14:02
On 24th April 2004, the inhabitants of Cyprus have expressed in referendums their opinion on the plan of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the unification of the island.(28/4/2004)
On 24th April 2004, the inhabitants of Cyprus have
expressed in referendums their opinion on the plan of UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the unification of the island. The
plan has been refused by a large majority of the Greek population
of Cyprus.
The Czech MFA respects the result of the referendum
as an expression of free will of the island inhabitants.
Nevertheless the Czech MFA regards the refusal of the Annan plan as
a squandered chance, a chance that may not come
again in the near future and considers the Annan plan to be an
optimum basis for the unification of Cyprus. The plan was coming
forward to both parties and in cooperation with the UN Security
Council and the EU provided to all participants sufficient
guarantees of a peaceful development of the island.
On 1st May 2004, Cyprus will become EU member. The Turkish
inhabitants of Cyprus have expressed in the referendum their will
for the unification of Cyprus. They should not become hostages of
the situation they will face after 1st May resulting from the
refusal of the Annan plan in the south part of the island. The
Czech MFA believes that the EU and the international community will
find a way to help the north part of Cyprus to overcome economic
and social consequences of the decades of international isolation.
The Czech Republic calls on all parties concerned to
preserve for themselves and for the whole world the hope for the
unification of Cyprus and to refrain from acts that could affect
the atmosphere of rising confidence between both parties on the
island. The Czech Republic also calls on the Republic of
Cyprus and its current representatives to demonstrate the will to
achieve a compromise, which is necessary for a peaceful unification
of the island.
unofficial translation