Occupied Nicosia, Cyprus. The Annan Plan failed to fulfil the aspirations of Cypriots for reunification of their island.

In 1992 former US president Bill Clinton stated "a Cyprus settlement should be consistent with the fundamental principles of human rights and democratic norms and practices." However the underlying philosophy of the Annan Plan, in its different versions were completely contrary to these provisions. The Plan contains serious deficiencies, (outlined in detail in this newsletter and Lobby's book 'The Case Against the Annan Plan'). The truth is that the Annan Plan was fundamentally flawed from the outset as it deviated from the European acquis communautaire and if implemented would have created conditions which would have led to deadlock and crisis on the island. For these and many other reasons the Greek Cypriot people overwhelming voted against the Annan Plan in the referendum on 24 April. Contrary to statements made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and some senior European diplomats, the Greek Cypriots did not vote against a settlement of the Cyprus issue, but against a plan designed to serve the interests of outside powers rather than the interests of the Cypriots. Lobby applauds the courageous leadership of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and supports the Cypriot government’s efforts to seek a settlement based on EU norms and laws. Cyprus is a member of the EU and the settlement of the Cyprus issue must be found in Brussels and must be in line with the EU acquis communautaire and the 3Rs:
Removal of all Turkish troops, Repatriation of all Turkish colonists and Return of all refugees.