Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-04-24

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Voting begins on UN solution plan

[02] Referendum - G/C - Polling procedure underway

[03] Referendum - T/C - Voting begins

[04] Referendum - G/C - Demetris Christofias

[05] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Anastasiades

[06] Referendum - G/C - Nicosia District Returning Officer

[07] Referendum - G/C - President Papadopoulos

[08] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved people

[09] Referendum - G/C - Paphos Bishop

[10] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Koutsou

[11] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Kleanthous

[12] Referendum - G/C - Kypros Chrysostomides

[13] Referendum - G/C - Yiannakis Omirou

[14] Referendum - G/C - Alecos Markides

[15] Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

[16] Referendum - G/C - Glafcos Clerides

[17] Referendum - G/C - George Vassiliou

[18] Referendum - G/C - Antonis Paschalides

[19] Referendum - G/C - Efthymios Efthymiou

[20] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

[21] Referendum - G/C - George Perdikis

[22] Referendum - T/C - Serdar Denktash

[23] Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close for an hour

[24] Denktash: Annan plan a disagreement that will persist

[25] Referendum - G/C - Polling paused with 49% having cast ballots

[26] Referendum - G/C - Vassos Lyssarides

[27] Referendum - G/C - Dinos Michaelides

[28] Referendum - G/C - Polling resumes

[29] Referendum - T/C - Mustafa Akinci

[30] Referendum - T/C - Dervis Eroglu

[31] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons

[32] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[33] Referendum - G/C - Polling percentage until 1500

[34] Referendum - G/C - Spokesman - Polling

[35] Referendum - T/C - Ali Erel

[36] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons - Low percentage

[37] Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close

[38] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

[39] Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Police

[40] Referendum - T/C - Polling stations close

[41] Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

[42] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 25.28%

[43] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 40.59%

[44] Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Ministers

[45] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 67.38%

[46] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 85.91%

[47] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

[48] Referendum - European Commission - Reaction

[49] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 95.01%

[50] Referendum - G/C - Free Areas of Famagusta results 100%

[51] Referendum - G/C - Paphos district results 100%

[52] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 97.17%

[53] Referendum - G/C - Larnaca district results 100%

[54] Referendum - G/C - Nicosia district results 100%

[55] Referendum - T/C - Rauf Denktash

[56] Referendum - T/C - Final result

[57] Referendum - G/C - Final result

[58] Referendum - G/C - Limassol district results 100%

[01] Voting begins on UN solution plan

0705:CYPPRESS:01

Voting begins on UN solution plan

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) -- Polling stations opened here today at 0700 local time (0400 GMT) for what has been described as a crucial vote for the future of Cyprus, since Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are to decide whether they accept a UN plan for a political settlement.

The total number of eligible voters in the Greek Cypriot community is 480.165 in addition to 392 who live in the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus. In the Turkish Cypriot community, 143.636 persons will vote in the referendum.

According to Kyriakos Triantafyllides, Chief Returning Officer for the referendum, 1,077 polling stations will operate today, including two especially set up for enclaved Cypriots residing in the occupied areas.

Polling takes place from 0700 until 1800 with a one-hour break for lunch from 1200 to 1300.

Exit polls are allowed to take place provided that their results are announced after the end of the vote, when all polling stations close.

The final result is expected to be announced within an hour from the start of counting the votes, which will take place at the polling stations.

The results of the vote will be posted on the Internet on the following sites: www.referendum2004.net and www.dimopsifisma2004.net in Greek, Turkish and English.

Triantafyllides will go to the presidential palace at 2100 to hand the results to the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, who conducts the referendum, who is the President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos.

[02] Referendum - G/C - Polling procedure underway

0755:CYPPRESS:02

Referendum - G/C - Polling procedure underway

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - The voting procedure in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN solution plan for Cyprus has begun across the government-controlled areas of the Republic, Chief Returning Officer for the Referendum Kyriacos Triantafyllides said, expressing certainty that everything would run smoothly.

''We have received messages from all District Offices that the polling stations opened at 0700 (local time) and that some minor problems with a power cut in Tsada area (Paphos District) have been solved,'' he said.

Triantafyllides added that he received notice that ''some slogans that had been written during the night have been erased by District Office teams, so everything has started smoothly and I believe the day will go well.''

The District Returning Officers Argyris Papanastasiou of Nicosia, Nicos Roussos of Limassol, Kyprianos Mathaios of Larnaca, Andreas Christodoulides of Paphos, and Andreas Stylianides of the Free Areas of Famagusta told CNA that polling stations in their respective districts opened at 0700 without any problems.

Meanwhile, two polling stations opened in Nicosia for the 392 enclaved persons, who are expected to cross over from the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic to cast their ballot.

Papanastasiou told CNA that all measures have been taken to facilitate the voting procedure of the enclaved persons, noting that they could vote by presenting their identity card, passport or driver's license and not necessarily their voting book.

[03] Referendum - T/C - Voting begins

0810:CYPPRESS:03

Referendum - T/C - Voting begins

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Voting in the Turkish Cypriot community to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement began at 0800 local time (0500 GMT). A total of 143,636 Turkish Cypriots have a right to vote.

Polling stations in the Turkish occupied areas will close at 1800. For the purposes of the referendum, 563 polling stations have been set up, 167 for Nicosia "district" , 146 for Famagusta "district", 109 for Kyrenia "district", 76 for Morphou "district" and 65 for Trikomo "district".

[04] Referendum - G/C - Demetris Christofias

0840:CYPPRESS:04

Referendum - G/C - Demetris Christofias

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Leftwing AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias cast his ballot today in the referendum voting procedure to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, and called for low tones and calmness ''so that we can determine the next steps as united as possible.''

Christofias expressed certainty that ''the people will reaffirm the level of our political culture and political civilisation, and will carry out this voting in conditions of calmness, a sense of responsibility and discretion for the next day.''

''I want to underline that whatever the result is, a lot of work will be needed, unity on the home front, low tones, calmness, to be guided by reason to determine the next steps as united as possible,'' Christofias said.

[05] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Anastasiades

0905:CYPPRESS:05

Referendum - G/C - Nicos Anastasiades

Limassol, Apr 24 (CNA) - Democratic Rally President Nicos Anastasiades cast his ballot today in the referendum voting procedure to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying ''yes'' to reunification, ''yes'' to the rights of the refugees and every citizen, and ''no'' to division.

Anastasiades said ''the question each one of us is called on to answer is if we will advocate in favour of the accession of a reunited Cyprus to the EU''.

''My answer was 'yes' to reunification, 'yes' to the rights of the refugees, 'yes' to the rights of every citizen, 'no' to division, 'yes' that our borders are in Kyrenia and Apostolos Andreas,'' he said.

Asked how he felt holding in his hands the specific ballot of the referendum, Anastasiades said ''each person who holds the ballot knows that he holds the fate of our country in his hands, the fate of liberating or continuing an unacceptable situation.''

He said that ''maybe this is one of the most crucial or the most crucial moments in the history of Cypriot Hellenism, when each one of us takes the fate of his country in his hands.''

''A 'no' is a stone on the wall that divides our country. A 'yes' reunited it. Let everyone consider this. That is why I am making a warm call with calmness, without fanaticism, but with determination to dare, this is the time for reunification,'' he added.

Anastasiades said that ''whatever the result is, it will be respected, because this is the decision of the people.''

He reiterated that the people should ''understand that each one of us is writing history today, each one's vote has its own meaning.''

Anastasiades noted that the atmosphere in which the voting is taking place is calm and characterised by political culture. ''I would like to believe that this will continue throughout the day and I have no doubt about this, as about the result. It is there that everyone will be called upon to consider the next day,'' he added.

[06] Referendum - G/C - Nicosia District Returning Officer

0930:CYPPRESS:06

Referendum - G/C - Nicosia District Returning Officer

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Nicosia District Returning Officer Argyris Papanastasiou said that voting began in the district at 0700 local time (0400 GMT) in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, without any problem whatsoever.

[07] Referendum - G/C - President Papadopoulos

0935:CYPPRESS:07

Referendum - G/C - President Papadopoulos

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that this was an historical day that would determine the future of the island.

''This day is an historical day. Today's voting will determine the future of our homeland. I am certain that the Cypriot citizens will behave responsibly with mutual respect. I am sure that the decision of the people of Cyprus will be fully respected by all,'' he said.

The Cypriot President called on everyone to avoid any incidents or celebrations, and to respect the result of the referendum. ''Let us not blacken the day with any incidents. With unity, union of hearts and discretion we will move forward,'' he said.

''The people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, deserve better days and I am certain they will come,'' he added.

Asked if the people would respond to his call for a resounding ''no'' in the referendum, President Papadopoulos said ''no political statements are allowed today, nor comments, and I above all cannot break the Law.''

[08] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved people

0955:CYPPRESS:08

Referendum - G/C - Enclaved people

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Greek Cypriots enclaved in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic began crossing into the government-controlled areas this morning to cast their ballot in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

[09] Referendum - G/C - Paphos Bishop

1000:CYPPRESS:09

Referendum - G/C - Paphos Bishop

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Paphos Bishop Chrysostomos, currently leading the Church of Cyprus due to the illness of Archbishop Chrysostomos, cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, expressing hope that tomorrow a new day would dawn on Cyprus.

''I believe that from tomorrow a new day will dawn for Cyprus and will attract the attention of Europe and the UN for a just, viable and permanent solution of the Cyprus problem, so that our people can live in the land of their fathers happily, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike,'' the Paphos Bishop said.

[10] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Koutsou

1010:CYPPRESS:10

Referendum - G/C - Nicos Koutsou

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the New Horizons party Nicos Koutsou cast his ballot in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that this day was historic and with their vote the people of Cyprus would influence the future of the island.

''We would like today to be a day of celebration but we were not given that chance. We will continue efforts for a right, just and democratic solution,'' he added.

Koutsou said the result of the referendum should be accepted by all, because it will express the free will of the citizens, and called on all citizens to be united.

''We await and hope for a resounding 'no' to show the unity of our people, so that the message is clear abroad that we reject the content of the plan and not the solution, and to send the message to the Turkish Cypriots that we will proceed together to a united Europe for a common future,'' he added.

Koutsou noted that this day was not one of winners or losers but ''of decision, appreciation and reckoning with our history.''

He expressed certainty that efforts would continue to solve the Cyprus problem and that today's voting procedure would run smoothly.

[11] Referendum - G/C - Nicos Kleanthous

1020:CYPPRESS:11

Referendum - G/C - Nicos Kleanthous

Larnaca, Apr 24 (CNA) - Deputy President of the Democratic Party Nicos Kleanthous cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that this was not just an historic day but ''the day of the people.''

He noted that today the people ''united will decide'' and that this decision should be ''fully respected by all of us,'' adding that as of tomorrow ''we should all be united for our Cyprus.''

''I totally trust the judgment of the people, who have shown once again their maturity and civilisation,'' he said.

[12] Referendum - G/C - Kypros Chrysostomides

1030:CYPPRESS:12

Referendum - G/C - Kypros Chrysostomides

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Movement to Restructure the Centre Kypros Chrysostomides cast his ballot today in the referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that whatever the result is, ''there are no winners or losers.''

Chrysostomides said this day was ''an especially important day for the history of our country and all of us, with concentration and discretion, should exercise our right to vote in the referendum, which we are exercising for the first time.''

He added that ''there is no reason for which we should not prove today the democratic traditions of our country, which are equal to the democratic traditions of Europe.''

''With the result there will be no winners or losers and all of us must accept, without any reservations, the outcome and join for the day after,'' Chrysostomides said.

[13] Referendum - G/C - Yiannakis Omirou

1040:CYPPRESS:13

Referendum - G/C - Yiannakis Omirou

Paphos, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Movement of Socialdemocrats EDEK Yiannakis Omirou cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that with a sense of historic and national responsibility, the people of Cyprus are called upon to decide today on their future.

''I have no doubt that our people will take their decisions conscious of this heavy responsibility,'' he said, adding that ''tomorrow a new day begins and we must all be ready to face any problems, any challenges, in order to form the happy future of the people and the island.''

Omirou noted that unity was needed ''to maintain the prospects of a democratic, just, functional and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.''

''At this time, we must send a message of solidarity and common course with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots. To assure them that together we will continue the struggle for the unity of our country and to implement human rights and fundamental freedoms for the whole of our people,'' he said.

[14] Referendum - G/C - Alecos Markides

1045:CYPPRESS:14

Referendum - G/C - Alecos Markides

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Renewal Movement Alecos Markides cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that this was ''an historic command'' for the people of Cyprus to join the EU on May 1 reunited.

[15] Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

1100:CYPPRESS:15

Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Voting in the government-controlled areas of the Republic in a referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, began today at 0700 local time (0400 GMT) and is proceeding smoothly ''at all polling stations, without any problem whatsoever,'' Chief Returning Officer for the Referendum Kyriacos Triantafyllides stated.

He added that by 1000 local time, 25% of Nicosia district registered voters had cast their ballot, compared to 22% at the Presidential Elections last year.

In Limassol, voting reached 23% of registered voters by 1000 local time, compared to 18% in the Presidential Elections, in the Free Areas of Famagusta 25% compared to 17%, Larnaca 27% compared to 20% and Paphos 25% compared to 22%.

Triantafyllides said the reason for the slighter larger percentage of ballots cast in the morning compared to the 2003 Presidential Elections was that this was a working day, while the Presidential Elections are held on a Sunday, adding that some people may have voted on their way to work.

[16] Referendum - G/C - Glafcos Clerides

1105:CYPPRESS:16

Referendum - G/C - Glafcos Clerides

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Former President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that whatever the result is, all must cooperate to overcome the difficulties to be faced by the Republic of Cyprus.

''Today the people of Cyprus, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, decide for the future of Cyprus. Whatever the result is, what is important is that after today we should all work together to extract Cyprus from the difficulties, which we will have to face,'' he said.

[17] Referendum - G/C - George Vassiliou

1110:CYPPRESS:17

Referendum - G/C - George Vassiliou

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the United Democrats George Vassiliou cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, expressing hope that the outcome of the referendum would signal the beginning of the reunification of Cyprus and the beginning of the new life of the united Cyprus in the EU.

Vassiliou said the people of Cyprus has been waiting for this day for thirty years, adding that ''this is the day we hoped and we hope will mean the beginning of reunification, return of refugees, the new life of the reunited Cyprus in the EU.''

''It is for this reason that we must all vote to give this opportunity to our people,'' Vassiliou said and expressed hope that ''the result tonight will be such so as to give this joy to Cyprus, to all of us, and not disappoint the Cypriots or Europe or the whole world that are anxiously observing today's developments.''

Asked if he would work to manage any outcome from the referendum, Vassiliou said he hoped the result would make the reunification of the island possible.

[18] Referendum - G/C - Antonis Paschalides

1120:CYPPRESS:18

Referendum - G/C - Antonis Paschalides

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Eurodemocratic Renewal Movement (KEA) Antonis Paschalides cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that today the people decide on their future and that of the generations to come.

Paschalides said ''today we decide on the permanent security and permanent peace and democracy on the island,'' adding that ''the positions of KEA are well-known and today, in the referendum, a European, democratic and functional solution, without foreign troops, is being decided.''

[19] Referendum - G/C - Efthymios Efthymiou

1130:CYPPRESS:19

Referendum - G/C - Efthymios Efthymiou

Limassol, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Movement of Free Citizens Efthymios Efthymiou cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that what was important was for the people of Cyprus to remain united after the result of the referendum.

Efthymiou said that ''what is important is the day after to find us united, because today whatever the result is there will be neither winners nor loosers.''

''Today the people of Cyprus vote on their future and any decisions belong to the people,'' he added.

Efthymiou noted that ''after the result concentration, unity and harmony are needed to face any difficulties that may arise on the day after.''

[20] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

1210:CYPPRESS:20

Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the Republican Turkish Party, cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that this day was historic for Cyprus because it determines the future of the island.

Talat expressed hope that the days to come would be better and noted that everyone's aim was to create a peaceful country and avoid painful incidents of the past.

''With the outcome of the referendum, we will know what tomorrow will bring us,'' he said.

Asked how the issue of the United Cyprus Republic's waters and those of Turkey would be handled in the case of a settlement, since Turkey would not be able to exploit Cyprus' waters as it does today, Talat said this would be discussed after the referendum.

[21] Referendum - G/C - George Perdikis

1215:CYPPRESS:21

Referendum - G/C - George Perdikis

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - General Secretary of the Movement of Ecologists and Environmentalists George Perdikis cast his ballot today in the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, noting that the people of Cyprus were voting with characteristic calmness and in conditions of total democracy.

Perdikis said ''the day after should find us all united, the whole of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, in the course for a just, viable and functional solution of the Cyprus probelm''.

He added that there was ''no reason for celebrations, no reason for excited activities but also no reason for disappointment.''

''Today's elections are the first European elections of Cyprus, there is no tension, no fanaticism,'' Perdikis said, adding that ''this atmosphere of calmness, discretion and respect of the decision of the Cyprus people must continue.''

[22] Referendum - T/C - Serdar Denktash

1220:CYPPRESS:22

Referendum - T/C - Serdar Denktash

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Serdar Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriot Democratic Party, cast his ballot today in a referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that even if everyone in the occupied areas voted in good will, a solution would not be realised because the Greek Cypriot side is expected to reject the plan.

Serdar Denktash said that on Monday, the so-called government along with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash would evaluate the outcome of the referendum and would decide on the next steps to be taken in cooperation with Turkey and the Turkish military.

He said Monday would be ''a different day and nothing will remain the same, we will enter a tough period but hopefully a better one.''

Replying to questions, Serdar Denktash said a positive outcome in the Turkish occupied areas and a negative one on behalf of the Greek Cypriots would not mean the end of this story. ''We must continue our talks for peace in Cyprus,'' he said.

Serdar Denktash did not wish to tell the press what he voted so as not to affect the voters.

[23] Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close for an hour

1220:CYPPRESS:23

Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close for an hour

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Polling stations across the government-controlled areas of the Republic closed at 1200 local time sharp (0900 GMT).

[24] Denktash: Annan plan a disagreement that will persist

1230:CYPPRESS:24

Denktash: Annan plan a disagreement that will persist

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) -- Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash described a UN plan on a comprehensive settlement a ''disagreement that will continue to exist between the two sides in Cyprus'', noting that UN Secretary General had been misled into believing that a solution was imminent.

Speaking after casting his vote in Turkish occupied Nicosia in today's referendum on the Annan plan, he said if the outcome was positive, both sides would continue their struggle on the points on which they disagree.

He also said that Turkish Cypriots need security vis a vis the Greek Cypriots and security for their ''state'' in northern Turkish occupied Cyprus, adding that if this were safeguarded he would say ''yes'' to a solution tomorrow.

His comments came as Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots continued to vote in separate but simultaneous referenda on the Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement.

''This is the first time Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots have been given the opportunity to decide their future. Unfortunately we have not been able to vote for a solution agreed by both sides,'' he said, noting that people do not know what the 9000-page long plan contain.

''We dont know what surprises they will spring on us, if both sides say yes, we start working with these papers. What is put to the referendum is not an agreed solution but this disagreement between two sides, he said.

He said that disagreement would continue and Cypriots would be asked to vote on it.

Denktash said UN Secretary General's special adviser on Cyprus Alvaro De Soto had been telling Kofi Annan that the two sides were very close and almost agreed when the differences were 180 degrees apart.

He said that he sympathióed with Secretary General who had been misled to believe that there was going to be solution very soon.

Denktas said that there was disagreement in last month's talks in Switzerland as well.

Papadopulos (Cyprus President) declared so, I declared so. But nevertheless, the referendum is enforced upon us he said.

[25] Referendum - G/C - Polling paused with 49% having cast ballots

1225:CYPPRESS:25

Referendum - G/C - Polling paused with 49% having cast ballots

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Polling stations across the government-controlled areas of the Republic paused for an hour's break at 1200 local time sharp (0900 GMT), with approximately 49% of registered voters having cast their ballots.

Chief Returning Officer Kyriacos Triantafyllides said that voting in the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement will resume at 1300 local time and will conclude at 1800, and that the morning procedure ran smoothly and there was ''an unusual calmness.''

Triantafyllides said there were no incidents this morning, adding that the messages from the districts were that polling ran smoothly, the polling stations closed on time and will open again at 1300 local time.

[26] Referendum - G/C - Vassos Lyssarides

1300:CYPPRESS:26

Referendum - G/C - Vassos Lyssarides

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Honourary President of the Movement of Socialdemocrats EDEK Vassos Lyssarides cast his ballot today in the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, urging all those who will be voting in favour of the plan ''not to try to undermine the government's efforts to turn around the first negative impressions that will naturally emerge.''

Lyssarides referred to information about British steps to amend Cyprus' EU accession protocol and expressed hope that ''the Greek government will act to avoid and if need be veto such an effort.''

[27] Referendum - G/C - Dinos Michaelides

1300:CYPPRESS:27

Referendum - G/C - Dinos Michaelides

Limassol, Apr 24 (CNA) - President of the Struggling Democratic Movement (ADIK) Dinos Michaelides cast his ballot today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, saying that Cypriot Hellenism is face-to-face with its history and at the end of the day it will appear whether or not it is worthy of this history.

Michaelides said that ''whatever the outcome from today's referendum, there will be no winners or loosers.''

''The winner will be the people of Cyprus, whose decision we should all support with respect,'' Michaelides said, adding that ''we must all continue the struggle with union of heart, determination and discretion for an integrated, single, free and sovereign Cyprus within the EU, all together in the struggle to define better conditions for a just, viable and functional settlement.''

He noted that ADIK would ''continue the struggle for a Cyprus within the EU, powerful in the region and present in the joint effort to justify Cyprus and its people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, all the legal and permanent residents of our land.''

[28] Referendum - G/C - Polling resumes

1305:CYPPRESS:28

Referendum - G/C - Polling resumes

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Polling stations across the government-controlled areas of the Republic, which closed at 1200 local time (0900 GMT), opened again at 1300 local time.

Voting in the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement will conclude at 1800 local time.

[29] Referendum - T/C - Mustafa Akinci

1330:CYPPRESS:29

Referendum T/C Mustafa Akinci

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) Leader of the Turkish Cypriot Movement for Peace and Democracy, Mustafa Akinci, said todays referenda was the last chance for Turkish Cypriots to join the EU as the island proceeds to accession to the EU on 1st of May.

In statements after casting his vote in the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia, Akinci said that whatever the result from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, tomorrow is a new day, adding that there will be changes both on the home front but also as far as the illegal regimes international relations are concerned.

The peoples vote will surely change the situation, it is a historic day, Akinci said, and expressed the conviction that the results will be positive for Cyprus.

He said today the two communities are voting on the same day. We are determining Cyprus future, shaping our destiny.

Regarding the Annan Plan, he said it is the only plan offered to both sides for a solution. If we (Turkish Cypriots) do not say yes, then we will have no position in the EU. If the Greek Cypriots say no, again we stand no chance for the EU. This is a great injustice, the leader of the Peace and Democracy Movement added.

[30] Referendum - T/C - Dervis Eroglu

1330:CYPPRESS:30

Referendum - T/C - Dervis Eroglu

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) -- Turkish Cypriot National Unity Party leader Dervis Eroglu said the referendum ''law'' adopted by the ''parliament'' of the occupation regime is against the ''constitution'' of the breakaway state.

After casting his vote in Famagusta, Eroglou said there was interference from abroad to the peoples decision to say yes, via televisions, radios and press. He said it is sad to see this pressure from outside.

To a remark by the press that he claims that the referendum is illegal but he is voting, Eroglu reiterated that the referendum is illegal and added that the first paragraph of the referendum law says that the referendum is about destroying'' the Turkish Cypriot regime.

He said even the referendum date was not decided by the ''parliament'' but by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Eroglou said nowhere on earth an agreement is prepared and imposed to people and people are called to referendum.

This is insult for the Turkish Cypriot community. We said before that we do not accept this method, pressure from outside and a referendum, he said.

[31] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons

1340:CYPPRESS:31

Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Greek Cypriots enclaved in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic have been voting today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

Two polling stations opened for the enclaved in Nicosia. There are 392 enclaved registered in the special voting list, 123 for the Turkish occupied Kyrenia district, including the Maronites, and 269 Greek Cypritos from the Famagusta district.

Most enclaved persons were transported to their polling stations in two Red Cross minibuses and a coach, while others were picked up by relatives living in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

Speaking to reporters, enclaved persons expressed their hopes and visions for a better future, noting that they have been waiting patiently for a solution for the past thirty years.

''We are waiting to be liberated,'' one enclaved person said, while another noted that ''we are going through a lot, we have been imprisoned for 30 years.''

[32] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

1535:CYPPRESS:32

Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus,
according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International
Airport are:

Temperatures (degrees Celcius)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Station               Maximum     Minimum       Weather
(At 1200 UTC)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nicosia                 23            10           FAIR
Larnaca                 22            10           FINE
Limassol                22            12           FAIR
Paphos                  21            11           FAIR

[33] Referendum - G/C - Polling percentage until 1500

1630:CYPPRESS:33

Referendum - G/C - Polling percentage until 1500

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - The percentage of registered voters who cast their ballot by 1500 local time (1200 GMT), in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, was 68%.

Chief Returning Officer Kyriacos Triantafyllides said that the percentage was reduced compared to the percentage in the 2003 Presidential Elections.

He added that he expected an increased flow of voters to the polling stations after 1600 local time.

[34] Referendum - G/C - Spokesman - Polling

1640:CYPPRESS:34

Referendum - G/C - Spokesman - Polling

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said the calmness and order in which voting in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement being carried out affirms the democratic tradition and European culture of the Republic of Cyprus.

Chrysostomides visited the International Conference Centre in Nicosia this afternoon and was brought up to date by Chief Returning Officer Kyriacos Triantafyllides regarding the voting procedure.

The Spokesman told CNA that ''all is going well and in this way we affirm our democratic tradition and European culture.''

[35] Referendum - T/C - Ali Erel

1700:CYPPRESS:35

Referendum - T/C - Ali Erel

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Leader of Turkish Cypriot Solution and EU party Ali Erel said that he voted in favour of a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement in today's referendum.

Erel said that after the results are announced, it would be better if Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash were to resign.

''His views are against Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, and the best thing would be for him to resign, otherwise he will continue to create difficult situations for us,'' Erel noted.

''It is not possible for him to continue to be an obstacle in what the Turkish Cypriots want. We, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, need positive results and as of tomorrow a new era begins. I hope the results will be positive in both sides,'' he added.

Erel said that if the outcome of the referenda was not positive on both sides, then ''together with the Greek Cypriots we will continue efforts for a settlement.''

[36] Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons - Low percentage

1745:CYPPRESS:36

Referendum - G/C - Enclaved persons - Low percentage

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Greek Cypriots enclaved in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic have been voting today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

[37] Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close

1800:CYPPRESS:37

Referendum - G/C - Polling stations close

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Polling stations in the government-controlled areas of the Republic closed at 1800 local time (1500 GMT) today for the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

The total number of eligible voters in the Greek Cypriot community was 480,165 in addition to 392 who live in the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

A total of 1,077 polling stations operated today, including two especially set up for enclaved Cypriots residing in the occupied areas.

Polling took place from 0700 until 1800 with a one-hour break for lunch from 1200 to 1300.

The final result is expected to be announced within an hour from the start of counting the votes, which will take place at the polling stations.

[38] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

1805:CYPPRESS:38

Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - So-called prime minister in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic Mehmet Ali Talat said that if the result of the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement is positive in the occupied areas, then Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash should respect the decision and withdraw.

Replying to questions about Denktash's possible resignation if the result is ''yes'' in the Turkish occupied areas, Talat said ''he must stop harming the Turkish Cypriots, respect the decision of the people and evaluate his position.''

[39] Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Police

1810:CYPPRESS:39

Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Police

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - The Police cut off traffic around the Presidential Palace to preserve calmness and order with the announcement of the result from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

[40] Referendum - T/C - Polling stations close

1820:CYPPRESS:40

Referendum - T/C - Polling stations close

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Polling stations in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic closed at 1800 local time (1500 GMT) for the referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

The total number of eligible voters in the Turkish Cypriot community was 143,636.

For the purposes of the referendum, 563 polling stations had been set up, 167 for the Nicosia ''district'', 146 for the Famagusta ''district'', 109 for the Kyrenia ''district'', 76 for the Morphou ''district'' and 65 for the Trikomo ''district''.

[41] Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

1840:CYPPRESS:41

Referendum - G/C - Chief Returning Officer

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - The percentage of eligible voters in the government-controlled areas of the Republic that cast their ballots today in the referendum to approve or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement was 89.5%, compared to 90.2% in the Presidential Elections last year.

Chief Returning Officer Kyriacos Triantafyllides said that by 1800 local time (1500 GMT) when the polling stations closed, 90% of eligible voters in the Nicosia district had cast their ballots, compared to 89.48% in the 2003 Presidential Elections.

[42] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 25.28%

1855:CYPPRESS:42

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 25.28%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 25.28% of votes counted from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 76.12% or 80,122 voted against it and 23.88% or 25,138 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 121,475 registered voters, with 109,133 having voted and 10.16% abstaining.

[43] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 40.59%

1900:CYPPRESS:43

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 40.59%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 40.59% of votes counted in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 76.37% or 128,736 voted against it and 23.63% or 39,827 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 195,049 registered voters, with 174,842 having voted and 10.36% abstaining.

[44] Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Ministers

1910:CYPPRESS:44

Referendum - G/C - Presidential Palace - Ministers

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Cabinet members and other officials have begun arriving at the Presidential Palace, after the announcment of the first results from today's referendum to accept or dismiss a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement.

Already, the Ministers of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades, Justice and Public Order Doros Theodorou, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Yiorgos Lillikas, Health Constantina Akkelidou, and Finance Markos Kyprianou, as well as Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides are at the Presidential Palace.

CNA/KN/MM/RG/GP/2004

[45] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 67.38%

1915:CYPPRESS:45

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 67.38%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 67.38% of votes counted in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 75.92% or 212,076 voted against it and 24.08% or 67,266 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 323,808 registered voters, with 289,684 having voted and 10.54% abstaining.

[46] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 85.91%

1925:CYPPRESS:46

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 85.91%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 85.91% of votes counted in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 75.70% or 269,237 voted against it and 24.30% or 86,445 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 412,858 registered voters, with 368,565 having voted and 10.73% abstaining.

[47] Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

1925:CYPPRESS:47

Referendum - T/C - Mehmet Ali Talat

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - So-called prime minister in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic Mehmet Ali Talat said he was saddened by the Greek Cypriot reaction to the UN plan for a Cyprus settlement in today's referendum in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

He said the Turkish Cypriot side ''did all we could but they (Greek Cypriots) rejected the plan,'' adding that the referendum in the occupied areas gave a ''very resounding 'yes''' to the plan.

Talat said that in the new period that begins there is no room for Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and that the latter's campaign against the plan ''assisted the Greek Cypriots in their aim.''

[48] Referendum - European Commission - Reaction

1930:CYPPRESS:47

Referendum - European Commission - Reaction

by Nicos Bellos

Brussels, Apr 24 (CNA) - The European Commission ''deeply regrets that the Greek Cypriot community did not approve the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, but it respects the democratic decision of the people.''

In a press release, the European Commission says that ''a unique opportunity to bring about a solution to the long-lasting Cyprus issue has been missed.''

''The European Commission would like to warmly congratulate Turkish Cypriots for their 'Yes' vote. This signals a clear desire of the community to resolve the island's problem. The Commission is ready to consider ways of further promoting economic development of the northern part of Cyprus,'' it says.

The Commission adds that it ''will start its internal reflection on the new situation and will present its views to the Council of Ministers meeting to be held in Luxembourg next Monday.''

[49] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 95.01%

1930:CYPPRESS:48

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 95.01%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 95.01% of votes counted in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 75.66% or 297,441 voted against it and 24.34% or 95,672 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 456,576 registered voters, with 407,311 having voted and 10.79% abstaining.

[50] Referendum - G/C - Free Areas of Famagusta results 100%

1940:CYPPRESS:49

Referendum - G/C - Free Areas of Famagusta results 100%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 100% of votes counted in the Free Areas of Famagusta in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 62.94% or 14,204 voted against it and 37.06% or 8,364 in favour of the plan.

There were 25,682 registered voters, with 23,519 having voted and 8.42% abstaining.

[51] Referendum - G/C - Paphos district results 100%

1940:CYPPRESS:50

Referendum - G/C - Paphos district results 100%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 100% of votes counted in the Paphos district in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 84.01% or 29,785 voted against it and 15.99% or 5,670 in favour of the plan.

There were 42,023 registered voters, with 37,118 having voted and 11.67% abstaining.

[52] Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 97.17%

1950:CYPPRESS:51

Referendum - G/C - Island wide results 97.17%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 97.17% of votes counted in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 75.69% or 304,203 voted against it and 24.31% or 97,689 in favour of the plan.

The percentage of votes counted translates into 466,948 registered voters, with 416,385 having voted and 10.83% abstaining.

[53] Referendum - G/C - Larnaca district results 100%

1955:CYPPRESS:52

Referendum - G/C - Larnaca district results 100%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 100% of votes counted in the Larnaca district in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 75.43% or 52,015 voted against it and 24.57% or 16,944 in favour of the plan.

There were 80,112 registered voters, with 71,564 having voted and 10.67% abstaining.

[54] Referendum - G/C - Nicosia district results 100%

2000:CYPPRESS:53

Referendum - G/C - Nicosia district results 100%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 100% of votes counted in the Nicosia district in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 73.58% or 124,889 voted against it and 26.42% or 44,850 in favour of the plan.

There were 197,704 registered voters, with 174,942 having voted and 11.51% abstaining.

[55] Referendum - T/C - Rauf Denktash

2010:CYPPRESS:54

Referendum - T/C - Rauf Denktash

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said tonight that he fulfilled his aim for the rejection of a UN plan to solve the Cyprus problem and now awaits the international community to keep its promises and lift the so-called embargoes on the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic.

Denktash told a press conference, after the results of the referenda showed that the Greek Cypriot community rejected the UN plan while the Turkish Cypriot community accepted it, that the Turkish Cypriots have earned the right to request the recognition of their pseudostate.

[56] Referendum - T/C - Final result

2015:CYPPRESS:55

Referendum - T/C - Final result

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - People in the Turkish occupied areas have voted in favour of a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement in today's referendum by 64.91%.

A ''no'' vote was cast by 35.09% of the voters.

[57] Referendum - G/C - Final result

2015:CYPPRESS:56

Referendum - G/C - Final result

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - The Greek Cypriot community has rejected a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement in today's referendum by 75.83 percent, which translates into 313,704 votes.

A yes vote was cast by 24.17% or 99,976 Greek Cypriots.

There were 480,564 registered voters, with 428,587 having voted and 10.82% abstaining.

Valid votes were 96.52%, invalid 2.62% and blank 0.86%.

The result was announced by Chief Returning Officer for the Referendum Kyriacos Triantafyllides just over two hours after the polling stations closed.

The ballots were counted at the polling stations.

[58] Referendum - G/C - Limassol district results 100%

2030:CYPPRESS:57

Referendum - G/C - Limassol district results 100%

Nicosia, Apr 24 (CNA) - With 100% of votes counted in the Limassol district in the government-controlled areas of the Republic from today's referendum on a UN plan for a Cyprus settlement, 79.35% or 92,811 voted against it and 20.65% or 24,148 in favour of the plan.

There were 135,043 registered voters, with 121,444 having voted and 10.07% abstaining.

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