EU welcomes Cypriot presidential result

The European commission has urged the new president of Cyprus to "grasp the chance" to negotiate a settlement for the divided island.

Left-wing leader Demetris Christofias won the presidential election on Sunday and pledged to work on reuniting the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso urged him to "grasp this chance and without delay start negotiations".

He called for fresh talks under UN auspices.

Christofias defeated rival right-winger Ioannis Kasoulides in a second round of voting.

The result was also welcomed by veteran French MEP Francis Wurtz, leader of the European United Left group in parliament.

"This is a great day for all those who support the reunification of the island," Wurtz said.

"I am convinced that everything that will depend on this man of principle and this statesman will be done to re-launch the process leading to the negotiation of a fair and definitive solution to the Cyprus problem.

"A page has been turned. Hope is reborn. To the future president, I send my warmest congratulations and express all my friendship."

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