Cyprus president defeated in election

NICOSIA (Reuters) - Cypriot President Tassos Papadopouloswas eliminated in the first round of a presidential election onSunday, sending two candidates who want talks on reuniting theisland to a run-off.

The surprise result signalled that Greek Cypriots are readyto return to peace talks key to Turkey's hopes of joining theEU, analysts said. The February 24 run-off will pitright-winger Ioannis Kassoulides against communist DemetrisChristofias.

Both pledge a more conciliatory approach towards estrangedTurkish Cypriots in the breakaway north.

Cyprus was divided in a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggeredby a brief Greek inspired coup. Peace talks stalled in 2004when Papadopoulos, elected the year before, led Greek Cypriotrejection of a United Nations blueprint for reunification.

Sunday's vote showed a shift in opinion since then.

"If you want to extract a political message out of it, 65percent of Greek Cypriots voted for clear pro-solutioncandidates," said political analyst Hubert Faustmann. "TheGreek Cypriots are back at the negotiation table."

Kassoulides, 59, had supported the UN plan whileChristofias, 62, had opposed it. Both acknowledge the blueprintcannot be revived but they also favour talks on reuniting theisland.

Now, they will need to secure support from Papadopoulosahead of the second round.

With all the vote counted, Kassoulides had 33.5 percent,Christofias 33.3 percent and Papadopoulos 31.8 percent. Noopinion polls had shown Papadopoulos, 74, losing in the firstround.

NICOSIA JUBILATIONS

Celebrations at the result erupted in Nicosia. Cypriotsdrove around the city honking their horns, waving flags andlighting flares.

"This was the result of Papadopoulos's arrogance, hisauthoritarian rule," said Elena Neoptolemou, a 33 year oldmusic teacher. "He was unable to fool people this time bypersuading them that things were going well on the Cyprusissue."

There was also some relief on the Turkish Cypriot side,where Papadopoulos was a popular hate figure.

"This is very good news," said Cevdit Ozguler, a 44 yearold taxi driver. "He never liked the Turks. I think a lot ofTurkish Cypriots will be happy tonight."

Turkish Cypriot spokesman Hasan Ercakika said: "The removalof an intransigent party should speed up the start of theprocess."

Kassoulides and Christofias, although from different sidesof the ideological divide, have both said they want to meetMehmet Ali Talat, the Turkish Cypriot leader.

"If I win, on February 25 I will pick up the phone andinvite myself to Mr. Talat's house," Kassoulides told Reutersrecently.

Stalled efforts to reconcile the two Cypriot sides arehampering Turkey's chances of joining the European Union. AGreek Cypriot-led Cyprus represents the island in the bloc,with veto rights over the admission of Turkey.

(Additional reporting by Stelios Orphanides and SimonBahceli; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)