Turkish Cypriot leader Talat approves new cabinet after polls

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

refid:11577001 ilişkili resim dosyası

Huseyin Ozgurgun, a relatively moderate figure within his National Unity Party, or UNP, was appointed foreign minister in the 11-member cabinet which is to formally take office after a confidence vote in parliament later this week. 

The party secured 26 of the 50 parliamentary seats in the April 19 polls.

The UBP's victory has raised concerns over the reunification negotiations, although he moved quickly to assure the international community the talks would continue.

Talat remains in charge of the peace negotiations relaunched last September after a four-year hiatus.

Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias met on Tuesday as part of the negotiations aiming at finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue.

The leader decided to meet more often to accelerate the negotiation process, the Turkish Cypriot leader was quoted by Anatolian Agency as telling reporters after the talks.

The agency also quoted U.N. Secretary General's special representative to Cyprus, Taye Brook Zerihoun, as saying that Cypriot leaders would come together on May 7 to continue discussing economy-related issues.