Cyprus: Communist party leader Demetris Christofias won presidential election - je 24.02.2008 18

Greek Cypriots have also been voting in a presidential run-off ballot billed as the most important in Cyprus´ history. Communist party leader Demetris Christofias won the election, taking almost 54 percent of the vote. His conservative rival, former foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides, won 46 percent. +++LM REIN+++ Both candidates pledged to try and break the deadlock in talks with Turkish Cypriots, who control the north of the island. Cyprus' 34 years of division dominated the campaign. +++LM RAUS+++ It also poses a major stumbling bloc for Turkey's aim of joining the European Union.