A New President in Northern Cyprus
The End of an Era but No Solution in Sight
SWP Comment 2005/C 18, 15.05.2005, 8 Pages Research AreasThe End of an Era but No Solution in Sight
SWP Comment 2005/C 18, 15.05.2005, 8 Pages Research AreasThe long presidential reign of Rauf Denktas came to an end with the election of April 17, 2005. After almost thirty years in the highest office of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Denktas - a resolute opponent of reunification of the divided island - has been succeeded by the prime minister, Mehmet Ali Talat. Does Talat's rise from head of government to become the leader of his ethnic community give grounds for new hope of reopening negotiations on the island? The rigid line taken by Greek Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos suggests not. The change in leadership in the north will not end the impasse in the Cyprus question and the conflict will remain an obstacle on Turkey's path to European Union membership.