The vibe in Cyprus is positive following the election of moderate Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.

Akinci has been welcomed on both sides of the island. President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, took to Twitter to announce his hopes for fresh reunification talks.

The selection of MustafaAkinci_1 is a hopeful development for our common homeland. I look forward to have a meeting with him #Cyprus— Nicos Anastasiades (AnastasiadesCY) April 26, 2015


The head of the Greek Cypriot community and his government will be looking for Akinci’s cooperation as the discussions restart in May 2015, after a six-month hiatus.

Ioannis Kassoulides, Foreign Minister of Cyprus, spoke to euronews:
“Turkey should allow Mr Akinci to engage in honest negotiations with us so we can reach an agreement that will fulfill the expectations of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities alike and calm the anxieties on both sides,” he said.

Political analyst, Kostas Gennaris, pointed