Cyprus elections offer chance to restart talks

11.18.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 20th Feb 2008

Sarah meeting Ioannis Kassoulides

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has welcomed the indications from the first round of the Cyprus presidential election that Greek Cypriots seek a renewed attempt to achieve reunification of the island.

She said:

"Even though Ioannis Kassoulides and Demetris Christofias come from very different political parties, they are both forward-looking in seeking to end the post-2004 stalemate and the drift towards partition, and to relaunch talks aimed at reunifying Cyprus."

"There is a great opportunity to make progress since we know that the final result will give Cyprus a new hope of a unified future. This must be reciprocated by an effort of dialogue from Turkish Cypriots and also action by Turkey to open its ports to trade from Cyprus as required by the EU."

The first round of voting provided a positive endorsement for restarting negotiations with over 65% of the electorate backing a candidate who was in favour of reunification. The second round of voting will take place on the 24th February between Conservative MEP Ioannis Kassoulides and General Secretary of the Communist party Demetris Christofias. Both candidates support restarting talks with Turkish Cypriots.

Mr Christofias has said: "The time for people to decide has come, I'm certain that you will use your better judgment to vote against partition, to turn the situation around and to end the stalemate."

Mr Kassoulides has said: "You will decide whether the island remains stuck in the past or moves forward into the future, whether we trust younger generations or whether we remain prisoners to fear and stalemate."