Hardline leader to continue Cyprus peace talks

New Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu vowed to continue peace talks amid fears his victory could halt reunification negotiations with the Greek side and scupper Turkey’s bid for European Union membership.

Hardliner Mr Eroglu won just enough votes for an outright leadership election victory yesterday with 50.38% compared with left-wing incumbent Mehmet Ali Talat’s 42.85%. Candidates needed 50% plus one vote to avoid a run-off.