Greek Cypriot leader seeks re-election

Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides announced today he will seek re-election for a limited third term in order to continue handling the delicate negotiations for the reunification of the war-divided island.

“Developments are rapid and historic. They will determine the future of Cyprus and in the next few months we will be called upon to reach major decisions. We must seek a viable settlement of the Cyprus problem with determination and good sense,” Clerides said.

The 82-year-old has been representing his side in the United Nations-sponsored reunification talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Raouf Denktash for the past 10 years.

His announcement coincided with increasing pressure on Denktash, both by the Turkish government and Turkish Cypriot opposition, to abandon his hard-line policy that has been blocking a settlement.

A demonstration by 30,000 Turkish Cypriots last week demanded Denktash’ resignation, blaming him for blocking a settlement that would allow the accession of a unified Cyprus to the EU.

This was followed by remarks on Wednesday by Recep Tayyip Erdogan Erdogan, leader of Turkey’s ruling party, also calling on Denktash to abandon his policy.

Clerides said in order to strengthen national unity, he planned to invite all political party leaders to join in the formation of a coalition government.

“I call on all of you – leftist, centrist, socialist and rightist – to give me a strong mandate so that all of us united may face the biggest challenge faced by Cyprus,” he said.