Presidential rivals share reunification dream

Cypriots will vote for a new president today, choosing between a right-wing former foreign minister and the head of a reformed communist party, who share a vision for new talks to end the island’s division.

Conservative Ioannis Kasoulides, 59, and communist-rooted Dimitris Christofias, 61, both staked their campaigns on pledges to resume negotiations with the breakaway Turkish Cypriots.

They criticised outgoing President Tassos Papadopoulos for prolonging years of stalemate and edging the island closer to permanent partition.

The attacks resonated with voters, as Mr Papadopoulos suffered a surprise elimination in the first round vote on February 17.

Cyprus has been split along ethnic lines since 1974, when Turkey invaded in response to a failed coup to unite the island with Greece. A breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north is recognised only by Turkey.

While the whole island is technically a European Union member, the bloc’s benefits are enjoyed only by those in the internationally-recognised Greek Cypriot south.

Mr Kasoulides hails from right-wing DISY, the long-standing rival of Mr Christofias’ communist-rooted AKEL party.

But that plays little part in shaping either candidate’s plans for reunification.

They both criticised Mr Papadopoulos, who in 2004 successfully urged Greek Cypriot voters to reject a United Nations settlement plan in a referendum. The island joined the European Union a week later, despite international disappointment with the referendum result.

“On the Cyprus issue, Kasoulides and Christofias don’t have fundamental differences,” said Nicosia University political analyst Christophoros Christophorou.

Although neither candidate wants to revive the defunct UN plan, they have appeared flexible enough to seek fresh negotiation for a mutually-acceptable deal.

Mr Christofias counts on his traditional – but strained – ties with the Turkish Cypriot left, while Mr Kasoulides has also promised to engage the Turkish Cypriots.

On the northern part of the island, Turkish Cypriots have been looking to the presidential run-off with renewed hope for reviving the stalled talks.

“It doesn’t matter who wins, dialogue is very important. If you can’t get started talking, then you’re in a very bad state and that’s where we are now,” said Turkish Cypriot lawyer and human rights campaigner Emine Erk.