Annan urges voters to consider benefits of saying 'yes' to Cyprus referenda

Addressing the people of Cyprus on the eve of Saturday's historic simultaneous referenda on his plan to establish a unified island, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today spelled out the benefits that would follow an affirmative vote.

In a video message to Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Annan described his plan as a compromise that "is also the only foreseeable route to the reunification of Cyprus."

He said the plan - which sets up an independent United Cyprus Republic composed of two constituent states linked by a federal government - would allow a unified Cyprus to enter the European Union on 1 May.

Mr. Annan said his plan prevents one side dominating the other, prohibits union with another country and bans partition or secession.

"It safeguards the identity of Cyprus and of each community in it," he said. "It preserves the integrity of the citizenship of the country. These are prizes that have eluded us in all previous negotiations. They are prizes of which all of you could rightly be proud."

Mr. Annan drafted the plan after six weeks of negotiations between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders failed to yield an agreement. The referenda are being held this Saturday ahead of Cyprus' entry into the European Union on 1 May.

While it was inevitable that not all the demands of both sides could be accommodated, the compromise respects individual human rights and allows many people forced to leave their homes to be allowed to return and reclaim their property, he said. Those who cannot return and reclaim property will receive compensation.

Mr. Annan said a donors' conference in Brussels last week indicated the willingness of the international community "to help you to make this plan work." He added that the Security Council also stood ready to give its full support.

Earlier, speaking to reporters upon his arrival at UN Headquarters in New York, he urged voters to "really think hard before they vote" and remember that "I don't think we've ever been this close" to a deal before.

Video of Annan's message [08mins]