EU calls for resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue

Dimitris Christofias' recent presidential election victory in Southern Cyprus has raised hopes for a solution to the Cyprus issue. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barosso yesterday telephoned Christofias to congratulate him, saying, "This outcome gives a very important chance to overcome prolonged obstructions to talks. The EU calls for the resumption of talks towards a comprehensive solution under UN auspices, without any delay." He stressed that the EU would strongly support collective efforts by the two sides to reach a solution. In related news, Christofias asked the UN to determine a date for the talks to resume.