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23 April 2004
BERLIN – The German government Friday urged Greek and Turkish Cypriots to support a United Nations plan to end the 30- year division of their island.
Government spokesman Bela Anda said Berlin hoped the two communities, who go to the polls in separate referendums Saturday, support the plan.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is due to meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cologne on Tuesday when the consequences of any “No” vote by the Greek Cypriot side would be discussed.
The UN plan could pave the way for a united Cyprus to join the European Union on 1 May. If either side rejects it, EU laws and benefits will apply only to the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot southern part of the island.
Polls have indicated that Turkish Cypriots, internationally isolated and economically impoverished, will vote in favour of the plan but Greek Cypriots will reject it.
DPA
Subject: German news