Whiff of revolution spreads among Turkish Cypriots in Lefkosa

History is not a frequent visitor to Lefkosa, a town sitting astride the line that has divided the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus into Greek and Turkish zones since 1974, when Turkey invaded after an Athens-supported Greek nationalist coup.

But last week, in the lead-up to today's elections, there was a distinct whiff of revolution in the air. Beneath the town's vast Venetian ramparts, Inonu Square has disappeared under a sea of green-and-white flags. A sound system blares out 'Yes to a solution for Cyprus. Yes to the European Union'. 'Nothing can prevent peace on Cyprus,' shout 5,000 Turkish Cypriots.

A smaller crowd 200 metres away has gathered under the ruling National Unity Party's colours. 'We will never surrender,' they shout.

But Cyprus' 200,000 Turks face a critical dilemma at the polls. Many inhabitants of a self-proclaimed republic recognised only by Turkey are aware that a solution to its 30-year dispute must be found by May if they are to have any hope of joining Europe next to, and on the same terms as, their Greek neighbours.

'Turkish Cypriots have lived isolated from the world for 30 years,' said main opposition leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

'If no progress is made ... this side of the island will become a prison. At the moment, 10,000 Turks cross into Greek Cyprus every day to work. After May, they will require visas.'

Failure to talk with the Greek side could also deal a death blow to Turkey's hopes of being given a date for EU accession next year. With 30,000 soldiers stationed on the island since 1974, they will be considered an occupation force on European Union territory.