Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said today he had set February 20th, 2005, as the date of a general election to end months of political uncertainty.
The decision came as Turkey, the breakaway enclave's patron, and the European Union agreed terms for Ankara to begin entry talks with the bloc after resolving a row over recognition of the internationally accepted Greek Cypriot government.
"We are going through difficult times. Leave aside your political differences and stand united," Mr Denktash told party leaders in announcing the date.
Only Turkey recognises Mr Denktash's self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash
Earlier today, the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Tayyip Erdogan, came close to walking out of the EU summit in Brussels because of his refusal to recognise the Greek Cypriot government. That government is viewed by the rest of the world as the sole legitimate representative of the whole island.
Turkey finally gave an assurance that it would move to recognise Cyprus before it begins its own EU entry talks on October 3rd next year. Before then, Ankara hopes the two sides will reach a comprehensive peace settlement on the island.
The Turkish Cypriots, backed by Turkey, earlier this year, gave referendum backing to a UN peace plan that would have turned Cyprus into a loose federation with broad autonomy for both ethnic communities.
But the Greek Cypriots rejected the plan, saying it failed to address their security concerns. They joined the EU one week later on May 1st as the Republic of Cyprus, with a right of veto over Turkey's own bid to join.
Inside the EU, the Greek Cypriots have resisted efforts to lift trade restrictions against the TRNC, fearing this could lead to de facto recognition of the entity.