The Greek Cypriot leader has dealt a heavy blow to the chances of a united Cyprus joining the EU on 1 May

In a public appeal, Tassos Papadopoulos on Wednesday (7 April) urged voters to reject a UN plan to reunify the island in a referendum this month. "I cannot accept or sign the plan", said Mr Papadopoulous in a TV broadcast of the proposal drawn up by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. "I call on you to reject the Annan plan. I call on you to vote a strong 'no'," he said. His words are set to have huge repercussions on both sides of the community - the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots - when they both vote in referendums on 24 April. The plan foresees a confederation with a federal administration handling foreign affairs and domestic affairs being handled by separate Greek and Turkish sides. Mr Papadopoulos’ words come after a strong appeal by the European Commission earlier on the same day for voters on both sides to accept the plan.