Greek-Cypriots go to polls

Greek Cypriots are voting to elect a new parliament which will prepare the island for membership of the European Union.

The right-wing Democratic Rally party, DISY, which holds most seats in the House of Representatives, has been trying to persuade voters that it is best placed to lead Cyprus into the EU, which is expected to happen in 2003.

But it has faced a strong challenge from the Communist AKEL party.

The communists have blamed DISY for last year's stock market crash and accused its ministers of incompetence.

The northern part of Cyprus which has been under Turkish occupation since 1974 is not taking part in the poll. VOTING ENDS 1400gmt

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service

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