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 28 August 2008 08:41 BST

Communist plans Cyprus reunification after election victory

Monday, 25 Feb 2008 11:40
Both candidates have pledged to unify the island
Demetris Christofias is set to become the EU's only communist leader after winning Cyprus' presidential election.

The 61-year-old took 53 per cent of the vote against Ioannis Kasoulides of the Democratic Rally party, after voters rejected incumbent president Tassos Papadopoulos in last week's vote.

His Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) has its roots in communism but Mr Christofias insists his progressive policies mean he is far from a radical leader.

Analysts say the biggest change expected under his rule is Cyprus' approach to the Turkish-controlled north of the east Mediterranean island.

The country was divided in 1974 following an invasion by Turkey and its ongoing partition continues tensions between Greece and Turkey, hindering the latter's efforts towards joining the EU.

News of Mr Christofias' victory saw his supporters flood the streets of the divided capital, Nicosia, where they waved Cyprus flags and pictures of communist icon Che Guevara.

The new president has already pledged to meet Turkish Cypriot leaders. He hopes to use his links with their labour movement to broker a deal.

Speaking before the election, Mr Christofias said: "We have a vision, we have a history of struggle and contact with the people in our efforts to reunify our country without foreign troops.

"At this time I want to send a message of friendship to ordinary Turkish Cypriots, a message of a common fight to reunite our homeland so we are in charge of our own affairs without foreign intervention."End of story


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