Nicosia, Cyprus. United Nations representative Khassim Diagne on Thursday praised work to widen the Ayios Dometios crossing point linking Cyprus’ two sides on Nicosia’s western edge. He said the project shows the practical impact of cooperation toward a shared goal.
UN message delivered at crossing site
Diagne, flanked by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman’s undersecretary Mehmet Dana and Greek Cypriot chief negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, delivered a speech on behalf of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin. He said the works demonstrate “in practical terms the power of cooperation towards a shared goal”.
Planned upgrades to lanes, pedestrian access and lighting
Diagne said the expansion includes improved traffic lanes for both sides, a pedestrian corridor, and lighting to enhance connectivity and safety at what he described as the island’s busiest crossing.
Commitment to increase staffing
He congratulated Erhurman and President Nikos Christodoulides for their “commitment to increase staffing in the booths” on either side of the crossing point.
Aim to ease crossings and increase contact
Diagne said that when the works are complete, “crossing from one side to the other will become easier to bring Cypriots into contact with each other”.
Funding and implementation
The work to widen the crossing point has been funded by the European Union and implemented by the UN development project in coordination with the bicommunal technical committee on crossnigs.
How do you think the upgraded Ayios Dometios crossing will affect travel and contact between the two sides?
