Cyprus adopts the euro in January.

Tassos Papadopoulos loses presidential elections in February and is replaced by Demetris Christofias, the Akel leader.

Talks begin between Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who succeeded Denktash in April 2005. Talat’s CTP party has close links with Akel. It is the first time that leaders who are ideologically close are negotiating an end to the Cyprus problem.

The two leaders also negotiated the setting up of bicommunal technical committees that discuss day-to-day issues related to such common topics as crime, cultural heritage, education and health.

The crossing on Ledra Street, a symbol of the island’s division, re-opened in April for the first time since 1964.