Annan was plan itself the solution in Cyprus

ANKARA (AA) – De Soto, who is in Istanbul as the guest of Bilgi University, appeared on private CNN Turk channel and said that in his opinion, all the Cypriots lost in the end.

Alvaro de Soto said that rejection of the plan by the Greek Cypriots had naturally created disappointment.

Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of reunification of the island instead of its division, de Soto stated.

De Soto said that majority of the Greek Cypriots opposed to Annan plan due to security concern and expressed thought that the plan was not fully understood.

If the plan had been accepted, all Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots would have gained, de Soto pointed out.

De Soto noted that in such a case, Turkish Cypriots would have entered the European Union (EU) and saved themselves from isolation.

Stating that it could be possible to eliminate problems of Turkish Cypriots, de Soto said that however, it would not mean "recognition."

De Soto noted that development of commercial relations of Turkish Cypriot side and starting direct flights to this side would change the life in this side.

Several steps should be taken to end isolation of Turkish Cypriots, De Soto stated.

De Soto said that UN Secretary General was expected to present a report on Cyprus to UN Security Council in the following week.

The EU was also disappointed with the result of simultaneous referenda held in Cyprus on April 24, de Soto stated.

De Soto said that Greek Cypriots lost much due to the insolubility in the island and they would have to live together with tens of thousands of soldiers in Cyprus.

UN Special Envoy to Cyprus de Soto said that he was not pleased with the result of the referenda.

TRNC and Greek Cypriot side voted United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan’s plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem in simultaneous referenda held on April 24.

Sixty-five percent of Turkish Cypriots voted "yes" to the Annan plan while 35.09 percent voted against the plan in the simultaneous referenda. A total of 75.83 percent of the Greek Cypriots said "no" to the plan while 24.17 of them voted "yes."

The rate of participation in the referendum was 84.35 in TRNC and 96.53 percent in the Greek Cypriot side.

Thus, Annan plan was not put into practice in the island.