The Cyprus rift

The newly elected president, Demetris Christofias, promises to change Cyprus’ rift [AFP]

Cyprus has elected a Communist president who has vowed to reunite the divided island.

It has been split since 1974, when Turkey invaded and took over the north in response to an attempted coup by right-wing Greek Cypriots.
 
Previous efforts to reunite it, including, most recently, a 2004 United Nations backed plan, have all failed.
 
But the newly elected president, Demetris Christofias, a Soviet-educated history professor and the only Communist leader in the European Union, is promising to change that.

 
Commentators say Christofias could succeed due to his well-established ties with the Turkish Cypriot left-wing.
 
The split is a major hurdle in Turkey’s bid to join the EU. 

 
Hashem Ahelbarra of Inside Story investigates whether the rift can finally be repaired.