The northernmost third of Cyprus has been administered by a breakaway régime since the Turkish invasion in 1974
Hopes of finding a solution to Europe’s last divided country, Cyprus, appear to have taken a blow as a result of a hardline Turkish Cypriot politician winning last weekend’s presidential elections in Northern Cyprus.
Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, who has argued for full independence for the Turkish-occupied north, won 50.38 per cent of the vote while incumbent President Mehmet Ali Talat, a supporter of reunification with the Greek Cypriot south, managed to secure 42.85 per cent of the votes cast.
In an attempt to reassure the international community that his election as president does not signal the end of negotiations with the Greek Cypriot government, Mr Eroglu said: “No one must think that I will walk away from the negotiating table. The talks process will continue.”
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island after a coup by supporters of enosis – union with Greece – leading to partition along the United Nations-patrolled Green Line as well as the expulsion of 200,000 Greek Cypriots from the north of the country.
Theo Theodorou, of the British-based Lobby for Cyprus, told Tribune that he sees the outcome as “a further obstacle in finding a just and humane solution to the Cyprus problem.” He said: “Mr Eroglu is known for his desire for a solution which will result in a two state policy, but Turkey still holds the baton as it is on record as supporting a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation on the island.”
