Rome, Italy. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that new crossing points connecting Cyprus’ two sides should facilitate the daily lives of all Cypriot people. He said he is ready for four crossing points to be opened, provided they serve both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
Call for crossings serving both communities
Christodoulides said the main issue is not opening a crossing point that only serves Turkish Cypriots. He said he is ready for Kaimakil and Mia Milia, but added that the road between Athienou and Aglandjia or a route through Kokkina should also be opened so that Greek Cypriots are served.
He said mutual satisfaction for all Cypriot people is important and reiterated that he is ready for all four crossing points to be opened.
Municipal support and discussions with Turkish Cypriot leader
His comments followed statements by Nicosia’s two mayors, Greek Cypriot Charalambos Prountzos and Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Harmanci, in favour of the possible opening of a new crossing point in the eastern Nicosia suburb of Kaimakli.
Christodoulides said the prospect of such a crossing point was not discussed during his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on Tuesday morning.
He said suggestions can be made by municipal authorities, citing proposals from the Nicosia mayor, the Athienou mayor, the Kato Pyrgos mukhtar, and the Polis Chrysochous mayor, and said the government evaluates all suggestions made.
Measures at Ayios Dhometios crossing point
Christodoulides also referred to the existing Ayios Dhometios crossing point, saying the Greek Cypriot side has taken many actions to facilitate crossings at what he described as the island’s busiest and often most congested crossing point.
He said a third lane was opened and that it could have been opened much earlier, as construction work in the free areas had been completed. He added that the Greek Cypriot side had expressed readiness to carry out construction work in the buffer zone, but this was not accepted, causing a delay.
He said personnel have also been reinforced at the crossing point to address challenges.
Which of the proposed crossing points do you think would most improve daily travel for you?
