Eroglu new Turkish Cypriot president

After a heated campaign, Dervis Eroglu of the right-wing National Unity Party (UBP) yesterday was elected the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' (TRNC) new president. Erdoglu garnered 50.4 percent of the vote in the seven-candidate election, while independent pro-reunification incumbent President Mehmet Ali Talat trailed with 42.8 percent, according to unofficial results. The election outcome is expected to help determine the future of UN-sponsored peace talks on the divided island. Critics of the newly elected president waned he might halt the ongoing peace talks with the Greek Cypriots, but in his victory speech Eroglu denied this. "Negotiations will continue," said the president-elect in early reactions at UBP headquarters. "In order to defend the rights of our people at the negotiating table, in order to reach an honorable, viable accord, talks will continue." Eroglu, whose UBP won parliamentary elections a year ago and leads the TRNC government, supports a two-state solution, a view fiercely rejected by the Greek Cypriots. Now Eroglu will have to negotiate a settlement under UN-sponsored talks, which are also critical for Turkey's European Union accession bid. Ankara has repeatedly urged continuation of the talks, a move that many saw as backing for Talat. "We'll keep close relations with motherland Turkey. I'll continue the talks at the negotiating table with Greek Cypriot leader Dimitris Christofias," said Eroglu. Some 164,000 voters went to the ballot booths, in a 76.4 turnout, up from around 69 percent in 2005. Eroglu's supporters celebrated his victory last night in Nicosia's Ataturk Square.