Cyprus's internationally recognised government is run by Greek
Cypriots, while the breakaway administration in the north of the
Mediterranean island is only recognised by Turkey.
"I observed that the government could not continue further,"
Prime Minister Ersan Saner told reporters after conveying the
resignation to Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, whom he said
was assessing the decision.
He said the resignation of the government, formed last year,
came after the three-party coalition lost its majority in the
enclave's parliament and he said an early election should be
held as soon as possible.
Cyprus was split by a 1974 Turkish invasion triggered by a brief
Greek-inspired coup. Friction predates that by at least a
decade, when a power-sharing administration of Greek and Turkish
Cypriots crumbled amid violence three years after independence
from Britain.
Tatar, who won a presidential election run-off a year ago, has
strong relations with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and, like
Ankara, supports the principle of having two separate
administrations on the island rather than reunification.
(Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Alex Richardson)
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