Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 12, 2004

US Support for Referendum

The United States reiterates its firm support for the Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan presented to the parties on March 31 in Switzerland. That plan was the culmination of talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as Greece and Turkey. It is the only plan, and it is the final plan. There has been speculation among Cypriots that there could be other alternatives to this plan. In our view there are no options other than the Secretary General s March 31 plan. It is this settlement or no settlement.

The settlement represents a compromise between the parties, in which no party got everything that it sought, but which offered clear gains for both sides. Cypriots now have an historic decision before them: On April 24 they will have the opportunity to support the settlement plan. In our view, the only way to assure the long-term security that Cypriots deserve is through this Settlement plan. This plan would lead to the withdrawal of large numbers of Turkish troops on the island, UN-supervised transfer of territory back to Greek Cypriots, and restitution and/or compensation of property to its former owners. Over 120,000 Greek Cypriots would be able to return to their former homes. The Turkish Cypriots also benefit in clear ways, including by being able to join the European Union on May 1 at the same time as the Greek Cypriots, and by being able to decide the vast majority of issues affecting them by themselves.

The alternative is clear. Without this plan, none of the above will happen. We hope the political leaders and Cypriot people will take fully into account the serious, historical and irreversible consequences of losing this opportunity to reach a settlement. The United States stands ready to do all it can, including making a substantial pledge of financial support at the April 14 pre-donor s conference in Brussels, pressing others to contribute generously to Cyprus future, and backing the necessary actions in the UN Security Council to ensure that the appropriate security structures are in place to protect the interests of all of Cyprus citizens.