Greek Cypriots watch Turkish Cypriot election with interest

As Turkish Cypriots went to the polls to elect a new leader on Sunday, euronews correspondent in Nicosia Stamatis Giannisis reported: “For the Greek Cypriot side the Turkish Cypriot election is of great interest, as the victory of any of the hardline candidates may result in a major setback for the political process that may one day lead to the reunification of the island.”

He says the Greek Cypriots are hoping for the election of a moderate and progressive candidate, who can help break years of deadlock.

Larkos Larkou, the Chairman of the Cyprus State News Agency, told euronews: “The major issue for both Greek and Turkish Cypriot society is to acquire a new vision, a new grand plan that will provide the ultimate solution to the Cyprus problem through our participation as a united society in the European Union.”

Political analyst Costas Yennaris told euronews: “The big question is the extent to which Turkey will continue to dictate its political will and its strategic plans to wh