Cyprus Vote Raises Hopes for Unification

Incumbent ousted; 2 pro-compromise candidates go to run-off

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 18, 2008 1:55 PM CST

(Newser) – After decades of division, Cyprus is a step closer to unification, AFP reports. Greek Cypriots ousted incumbent Tassos Papadopoulos in a three-way election yesterday, and the two remaining candidates will face off in another vote on Sunday. Both seem willing to reach out to Turkish Cypriots, mending bridges the hard-line Papadopoulos administration nearly burned.

In 2004, Papadopoulos rejected a plan to reunite the island, which has been divided since 1974 between the Turkish north and Greek south. His defeat represents “a new start, with a more realistic approach by the Greek Cypriots,” one analyst said. “They will be more flexible.” One remaining candidate, communist leader Demetris Christofias, is trying to win over Papadopoulos supporters by promising tough negotiations.

Demetris Christofias, head of the reformed communist AKEL party waves to his supporters outside of his campaign headquarters in capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday Feb. 17, 2008. President Tassos Papadopoulos... (Associated Press)

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos concedes defeat in a brief speech at his campaign headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. Papadopoulos was eliminated Sunday from Cyprus' presidential... (Associated Press)

Demetris Christofias, 61, head of the reformed communist AKEL party with his grandson Dimitris votes in the Presidential election in Makedonitissa, a suburb of the divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday,... (Associated Press)

Cyprus' incumbent president Tassos Papadopoulos leaves a polling booth after voting in the presidential election in Deftera, suburb of the divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. Cypriots... (Associated Press)

Incumbent former Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides of right-wing party DISY reacts to his supporters during the final campaign rally in Nicosia, Cyprus, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008. Greek Cypriots vote on... (Associated Press)

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Cyprus Vote Raises Hopes for Unification

Incumbent ousted; 2 pro-compromise candidates go to run-off

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Greek Cypriots Elect Prez Committed to Unifying Isle

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Incumbent ousted; 2 pro-compromise candidates go to run-off

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Greek Cypriots Elect Prez Committed to Unifying Isle

Cyprus leaders already agree to hold talks

Cypriots Optimistic About Unification Talks

New leadership appears to have sides closer than ever to ending 34-year division

Cyprus Will Resume Unity Talks

Opening of key street in divided capital signals thaw between Greek, Turkish blocs

Thieves Demand Ransom for Cyprus President's Corpse

Body discovered dumped at another cemetery

Grave Robbers Steal Body of Cyprus Leader

Guard finds empty coffin, no clue on motive

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