Talks to reunify Cyprus collapse, Annan says

Annan had invited Papadopoulos and Denktash to The Hague to hear their replies to his request for separate referenda — one for each side — on a U.N. Cypriot peace plan.
The plan envisages reunifying Cyprus as a single nation comprised of Greek and Turkish Cypriot states linked through a weak central government.
With leaders in a deadlock over the plan, Annan had proposed the referendum after Turkish Cypriots staged mass demonstrations in favor of the peace plan and some Greek Cypriot politicians and newspaper columnists expressed support.
If the peace plan had been accepted, a reunited Cyprus would be fully accepted as a member of the European Union on April 16. If the plan failed, the entire island would join, but EU laws and provisions would not apply to the Turkish side, which does not have international recognition.
Denktash insists on recognition of his breakaway state as a first step to reunification. He also rejects the return of Greek Cypriot refugees and insists both communities must live separately.
Papadopoulos objects to provisions excluding application of the European Covenant of Human Rights guaranteeing the right of refugees to return and reclaim property.
Cyprus has been split since Turkey invaded in 1974 in the wake of an abortive coup by supporters of union with Greece. The breakaway state in the north is only recognized by Turkey, which maintains 40,000 troops there.