The victory of the the right-wing National Unity Party (UBP) led by Dervis Eroglu in Sunday’s parliamentary election in the occupied part of Cyprus dealt a blow not only to the prospects for reunification of the divided island, but for Turkey’s bid for EU membership as well, as Cyprus vows to block Turkey’s EU entry until reunification is achieved.

The Turkish-Cypriot hardliners (UBP), led by Dervis Eroglu took 44 per cent of the vote, while the ruling Republican Turkish Party (CTP) allied to community leader Mehmet Ali Talat took 29 per cent.

Although Mr Talat retains his post as Turkish-Cypriot leader and negotiator in UN-brokered reunification talks, he would find it difficult to pursue a settlement based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

The UBP favours a two-state solution and calls for international recognition of the Turkish-Cypriot breakaway state, recognised only by Ankara. The UBP also seeks integration with Ankara rather than EU membership. The UBP is expected to form a coalition with the Democratic Party headed by Sardar Denktash, son of veteran Turkish leader Rauf Denktash.

Mr Eroglu said he would appoint a representative to accompany Mr Talat to negotiating sessions with Cyprus president and Greek-Cypriot negotiator Dimitris Christofias.

The two men are scheduled to meet again in the UN buffer zone to continue talks which, according to UN representative Alexander Downer, have achieved progress.

A year ago, when talks resumed, Mr Talat said a deal could be achieved by the end of 2008. Frustration over the slow pace of the talks and the slide of the north’s economy have turned Turkish Cypriots against the CTP.

More than 350 candidates from seven political parties and eight independents competed for 50 seats in the assembly.

About 161,000 people were eligible to vote, 61,000 native Turkish Cypriots and 100,000 settlers from mainland Turkey. Since Ankara is said to have backed the UBP, Turkish Cypriots claim it is “migrants who have determined” both the election result and the fate of Cyprus.

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