Dervis Eroglu, a supporter of Turkish Cypriot independence, held a lead in the northern Cyprus presidential election on Sunday, in a vote key to talks on reunifying the island and Turkey's chances of joining the EU, Reuters reported. With 20 percent of the vote counted, Eroglu was in the lead with 48.9 percent compared to incumbent leader Mehmet Ali Talat with 43.7 percent. The winning candidate requires more than 50 percent to win outright. Eroglu, who wants more independence for each community in any peace settlement, rules out concessions to Greek Cypriots in reunification talks. Any stalemate on Cyprus will further complicate Turkey's ambitions to join the EU, where Greek Cypriots represent the island and will not allow Turkey to join until there is a deal. -- SPA
