Hardliner Eroglu wins elections in Turkish Cypriots

NICOSIA: Hard-line challenger Dervis Eroglu won the elections in Turkish Cypriots and vowed to continue reunification talks with Greek Cypriots.

Eroglu won 50.38 percent of the votes as compared to leftist incumbent Mehmet Ali Talat's 42.85 percent. Addressing supporters after his win, Eroglu said he will not abandon negotiations aimed at reunifying the divided island.

He said it is time to make peace with Greek Cypriots. The island's division is already hampering Turkey's EU drive and can halt it if the peace talks collapse.