The European Union has welcomed the election of Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat as the new leader of the Turkish community on Cyprus.
A European Commission statement expressed hope the results will create favorable conditions for resumption of United Nations-sponsored talks on reuniting Cyprus.
Earlier, Mr. Talat called for renewed talks with the island's Greek Community on Cyprus. His comments followed his victory in Sunday's presidential elections in Cyprus's Turkish northern enclave.
The Mediterranean Island has been divided into two communities since 1974. Turkish Cypriots voted last year in favor of a United Nations reunification plan, but Greek Cypriots rejected it.
Mr. Talat will replace Rauf Denktash, who has led the Turkish Cypriot community for decades, but did not seek another term.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP.