Mr Christofias took his grandson along with him to the voting booth.
Communist elected as president in Cyprus
Monday , 25 February 2008
Prior to his election Mr Christofias calmed fears related to the political orientation of his party, promising that he would not endanger in any way his countrys free market economy or the private sector. He also had to face claims that he is a Eurosceptic, which he denied vehemently. He said: I'm a Euro-fighter. I fight for Cyprus's best interests within Europe. I won't say yes to everything the EU says. However, his background singles him out within the EU the only communist head of state in all the 27 Member States. It is yet to be seen, however, if this will be significant in Cypruss dealings at Union level.
34 years of separation
Cyprus is divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded the northern side of the island in order to stop its unification with Greece. Ever since the situation has been tense and not just for the inhabitants. Turkey is the only country in the world to acknowledge The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This has been so far a thorny issue in its relations with the European Union, as well as a matter of dissension within NATO (Turkey and Greece being both members).
With the arrival of Mr Christofias in the powerful position of president of Cyprus, there are now hopes that this situation might have a solution in the near future. Having already strong ties with the Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the new president vouched to work for a common solution amidst enthusiastic supporters waving Che Guevara flags on Sunday. He claimed that his goal is nothing short of the islands reunification and that is the only one ideology he is interested in.
However, it remains to be seen if there will be solid action to back up the promises he made while basking in the victory celebrations. There are many sensitive issues to deal with, like the constitution, refugees and security matters. The division across ethnic lines of the island is not simply a matter to solve over night there are three decades of conflict and mistrust to overcome, not to mention an age old rivalry between the two communities. Positive developments would be a much needed breath of fresh air, perhaps more so for Turkey and its bid to EU that the inhabitants of Cyprus.