A “painful compromise” characterizes him front page of “Kathimerini” dated November 10, 2002, Annan’s first plan for a Cyprus settlement. “Starting tomorrow, with the presentation of the Annan plan to resolve the political problem in Cyprus, Greek politics and diplomacy will enter a period of serious dilemmas and critical decisions, the first deadline of which will be the summit in Copenhagen on December 12th. The Secretary General’s plan, which enjoys the full support of Washington and other European capitals, is one of painful compromises, to say the least, because of its complexity and the balancing act between Greek rights and the actions of the 1974 Turkish invasion. least likely to cause unrest in Athens and Nicosia,” he continues. “All evidence suggests that, above all, Greek politics will have to mobilize all the reserves of endurance, strength and consensus for the entry of Cyprus into the EU. be completed without serious international complications”.

The terms of the Annan plan were not yet officially known, but its main points were, among other things: the political equality of the constituent “states” with one sovereignty; a single international legal personality and nationality granted by the central government. a six-member Presidential Council, consisting of four Greek Cypriots and two Turkish Cypriots, with a change of presidency every two months on a 2 to 1 basis; demilitarization schedule.

The Kathimerini reviewer goes on to highlight the importance of the Annan plan: “For the Greek Cypriots, the Annan plan is not something that concerns national interests in general and in the abstract. The “yes” and “no” that will be said now will directly determine their safety and well-being.” Although this plan has been characterized many times as a last chance to solve the Cyprus problem, when its approval or rejection was presented in the form of a referendum before two communities, it was approved by the Turkish Cypriot community with 64.91% of the vote and 35.01%. % against. In contrast, in the Greek Cypriot community, “No” was received by 75.83% and “Yes” by 24.17%. After this result, the Cypriot entered a new difficult phase.