The shaky coalition governing Turkish-controlled north Cyprus collapsed Wednesday after months of confusion following a failed referendum to reunite the island. Mehmet Ali Talat, who serves as prime minister in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state, submitted his resignation to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, nine months after taking office. Talat, who is extremely popular for his efforts to reunite the island, is expected to remain as premier until a new government is formed. "Today, we have relayed our resignation letter," Talat told a news conference. Denktash will meet with party leaders in the coming days to discuss the possibility of forming a new government. If a government cannot be formed, early elections will be called. "If we can't succeed in forming a new government, our people will decide" in new elections, Talat said.
