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M. Continuo

Communist wins Cyprus presidential vote


    NICOSIA (Reuters) - Communist leader Demetris Christofias won Cyprus presidential elections on Sunday, official results showed, as his right-wing rival Ioannis Kassoulides conceded defeat.

    "I contacted Mr. Christofias and congratulated him on hisvictory," Kassoulides told supporters. "I assured him I wouldstand next to him in his efforts to find a solution to ournational issue."

    Both contenders had pledged to revive efforts to unite thedivided island where Greek Cypriots, who voted on Sunday, livein the south and Turkish Cypriots in the north.

    The island's division is a major obstacle to Turkey'sEuropean Union aspirations.

    (Reporting by Dina Kyriakidou; Editing by IbonVillelabeitia)