Turkish Cypriots in the breakaway northern third of the country voted in favor of the plan. But both sides, voting in parallel referendums, had to approve the U.N. solution for it to take effect.

Final results showed 76 percent of Greek Cypriots voted "no" and 24 percent "yes." The Turkish Cypriot vote was 65 percent "yes" and 35 percent "no." Turnouts were high: at least 88 percent in the south and 87 percent in the north.

Cyprus has been split since Turkey invaded and occupied the north in 1974, after an Athens-backed coup by Greek Cypriot military officers. About 200,000 Greek Cypriots fled their homes to the south while Turkey settled about 50,000 additional Turks in the north.

Greek Cypriots opposed the plan in large numbers because it does not allow all Greek Cypriot refugees to return to their homes in the north but does permit Turkish settlers to remain on the island, although not necessarily in the homes they moved into 30 years ago.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 1, 2004
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