Greek Cypriots defied international pressure last night, overwhelmingly rejecting a UN-backed plan to end 30 years of partition and usher a united Cyprus into the European Union.
The Cypriots will enter the EU under a cloud of disapproval after rejecting reunification, but Turkish Cypriots will see some easing of their isolation because of their "Yes" vote, an EU spokesman indicated.
"The political damage is large," EU Enlargement Commissioner Mr Guenter Verheugen told Germany's ARD Television. "There's now a shadow over Cyprus's membership."
Mr Verheugen said the referendum result, which means only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriots will take up the island's EU membership, would unnecessarily complicate the bloc's relations with Turkey as Ankara itself seeks to join.
The UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan said that by rejecting the plan a unique and historic chance at unification had been missed.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, speaking as the President of the European Union, also expressed his disappointment that a united Cyprus would not now be in a position join the EU.
The United States, which has said it would not leave the Turkish Cypriots out in the cold if they approved the plan for a loose association of two largely autonomous zones, expressed disappointment at the Greek Cypriot no vote.
"We commend all those who voted to approve the plan - particularly a large majority of Turkish Cypriots - for their courage and their vote for peace and reconciliation," a US State Department spokesman said.
The European Commission praised Turkish Cypriots for their "Yes" vote and said it would consider ways to promote economic development in the poorer Turkish half.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mr Abdullah Gul said Greek Cypriot rejection meant partition was now "permanent".
But Greek Cypriot President Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, who led the opposition to the plan, urged Turkish Cypriots not to abandon efforts to reunite the island within the EU. "Our road will not be paved with roses...but we will not be deterred," he said.
Turkish Cyprus, in a simultaneous vote, approved the plan for a loose association of two largely autonomous zones. But the Greek Cypriot "no" effectively slammed the EU gates on the poorer north and meant only Greek Cyprus will accede in May.
It was a result the EU, the United States and the United Nations had urgently sought to avoid. The long-festering Cyprus problem, which has brought NATO partners Turkey and Greece to the verge of war on two occasions, will now be "imported" into the EU with all attendant complexities and emotions.