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Quick Facts
1. There are 30,000 Turkish troops stationed in Northern Cyprus.
2. Turks occupy 38% of the land area, Greeks 60%, the capital Nicosia is divided into Greek and Turkish areas by a wall called the Green Line.
3. Greeks constistute 78% of the island's population, Turks, 18%.
4. There are about 150,000 - 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees, which is about the same as the population of Turkish Cyprus.
5. Turkey is the only country that recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and gives it large amounts of foreign aid to bolster it's economy.
6. The average income in Southern Cyprus is 4-5 times higher than that of Northern Cyprus.
7. North Cyprus is sanctioned.
Key Reasons Greek Cypriots Rejected the Plan
1. It allowed for a continued Turkish military presence on the island.
2. The plan did not allow for most Greek Cypriot refugees to return to their former homes in North Cyrpus.
3. The Annan Plan provides for a bicameral legislature, of which the Senate would have 24 Turkish Cypriots and 24 Greek Cypriots.
4. Many other reasons.
Why Turkish Cypriots Accepted the Plan
1. Entry into the European Union.
2. Lifting of sanctions, and a revitalization of the North Cyprus economy, which has been stagnant for decades while the South thrives.
Consequences of the Failure of the Referendum
1. Southern Cyprus will enter the European Union in a few days, Turkish Cyprus will not.
2. Cyprus can veto Turkey's possible entry into the EU.
3. Northern Cyprus was awarded a $260,000,000 grant for voting yes on the referendum.
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