CHEERING began as early as 6.30pm yesterday just after the exit polls were announced to celebrate the resounding no vote of 75.83 per cent of Greek Cypriots in the referendum.
Despite the failure to deliver a united Cyprus, many Greek Cypriots celebrated nonetheless.
Some people drove down the busy streets in downtown Nicosia beeping their car horns with Greek and Cypriot flags draped across their vehicles.
Crowds also gathered in Eleftheria Square holding Cypriot and European flags to celebrate their imminent accession to the EU, despite the island’s remainingdivision.
Some of the banners read “No to the Annan plan, Yes to human rights”, “No to side by side Yes to real reunification”, “No to Turkish troops and settlers, Yes to all Cypriots”.
Increasing numbers of cars took to the streets with some vehicles’ licence plates and rear windows covered with ‘oxi’ flags.
Youths spoke loudly about a “victorious result” in the referendum.
Police were on high alert and patrolled the streets to ensure there was no trouble or any violent outbreaks between ‘no’ and ‘yes’ supporters, but no incidents were reported.
Justice Minister Doros Theodorou left the Presidential Palace at 8.15pm and on behalf of President Tassos Papadopoulos urged the people not to engage in gatherings or celebrations on the streets, but to keep calm.
“Please respect the President’s request and go home,” said Theodorou.
Turkish Cypriots had their own celebrations in the north, as they flocked in huge numbers onto to the streets, calling for Rauf Denktash’s resignation. Police set up water cannons outside his residence to protect him from demonstrators after he claimed the Geek ‘no’ vote was a victory for his policy.
“If the Annan Plan had been accepted I would have resigned but it has not been accepted so there is no need for me to do so,” said Denktash. He added the road to recognition for had opened. “40 years of isolation has come to an end.”
‘Prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat said Denktash had no place in this new era and that the leader’s resignation would be the appropriate thing after the result of the referendum in the north.
To this Denktash replied: “I took action to save the state and it has been saved.”
While young people revelled on the streets, there were long faces at Talat’s party headquarters, as the result means Cyprus will not enter Europe as a united island.
