Cyprus Papadopoulos party crosses Green Line for first time

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Members of the Cyprus coalition political party DIKO crossed the Green Line that divides Cyprus for the first time yesterday, for a meeting at the head offices of the Democrat Party (DP), led by Turkish Cypriot Serdar Denktash.

Other political parties have had meetings in northern Cyprus, but this was the first by the party led by Cyprus President and Chairman of DIKO Tassos Papadopoulos.

DIKO Deputies agreed to visit after the usual requirements for showing identity cards or passports was lifted.

The Turkish Republic if Northern Cyprus is recognised internationally only by Turkey.

DIKO Deputy Chairman Nikos Kleanthous said that the meeting had been constructive, although noted that there was disagreement on core issues with respect to solutions to the Cyprus problem .

DIKO led the No campaign against the reunification plan that was put to referendum in April 2004 and was rejected by 75% of Greek Cypriots but accepted by 66% of Turkish Cypriots.

“We had an honest dialogue on issues, which affect our daily life as well as core issues on which we have disagreements,” said Kleanthous.

Denktash said the Turkish troops ” would not stay here if we manage to agree on a comprehensive, lasting and viable solution.”

Both sides added, however, that continued dialogue was important.