TRNC's Talat, Soyer say Greek Cypriot election carries hope for peace

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyrus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat said yesterday that the recent first round of presidential elections in Greek Cyprus heralded the possibility of change, especially in the surprise defeat of incumbent Tassos Papadopoulous. Speaking in the TRNC city of Gazimagusa, Talat said that he believed that the Cyprus issue would be resolved by year's end. TRNC Premier Ferdi Sabit Soyer also said yesterday that whoever wins the Greek Cypriot presidency, new negotiations to find a settlement to the issue should begin soon.