The importance of this turning point was not sufficiently appreciated by either President Christofias, the leader of the Greek Cypriot community or by Mr. Talat the former leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

Of course, sufficient progress had been achieved on the chapters of Governance, the Economy and EU matters and was announced in the joint statement of the two leaders of March 2010. Hence in one way or another, Mr. Eroglou is obliged to continue from where Christofias and Talat had left off, as he is also obliged to negotiate on the commonly agreed basis of a solution as this was announced in the common statements of the two leaders of 23^rd May and 1^st July 2008-bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality as defined in relevant UN resolutions.

It is true that Mr. Eroglou stated immediately after his election that he will continue the negotiations. Nevertheless, he never stated that he will continue along the basis agreed by Christofias and Talat. Furthermore, it is well known that the positions of Mr. Eroglou throughout his political career were for two separate states in Cyprus. It is also obvious that he is going to be influenced by the even more intransigent positions of Mr. Rauf Denktash, the former leader of the Turkish Cypriots who has supported Eroglou's candidacy.

What is hopeful are the statements made by the government of Turkey and particularly by Prime Minister Ertogan, that the negotiations have to continue from where Christofias and Talat had arrived. It is also encouraging that Prime Minister Ertogan stated that Turkey wishes that a solution is found within 2010, since the non-resolution of the problem creates problems for all involved parties.

It is the view of the United Democrats that the Greek Cypriot community must respond to these calls for prompt peace by Prime Minister Ertogan and contribute to the finding of a commonly agreed formula for the holding of an International Conference for the reunification of Cyprus.Within the context of an International Conference the negativity of the historical positions of Mr. Eroglou can be checked by the overall willingness of the international community to solve the problem and move ahead with peace, stability and prosperity in the area, including through the further normalization of relations between Greece and Turkey and through the eventual accession of Turkey to the European Union.