Cyprus remains divided
Greek Cypriots today voted against the reunification agreement brokered by the UN, whereas the Turkish Cypriots voted for this in their own referendum. Thus only the southern (Greek Cypriot) part of the island will become a member of the EU on 1st May. A sad day.
The EU and the US should now fulfill their earlier commitments to end Turkish Cyprus' international isolation as soon as possible.
UPDATE: (Monday 26th April 12.44 BST) The EU is rewarding Northern Cyprus (i.e. Turkish Cyprus) for the 'yes' vote in the referendum by approving a €260m (£174m) aid package for the north, and allowing tariff-free entry of fruit and vegetables into the EU. It is being speculated, too, that the positive role played by Turkey (Ankara) in helping to change minds in Northern Cyprus bodes well for its own forthcoming renewed effort to join the EU itself. This is definitely an optimistic move which I hope will bear fruit.
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