EC decides to open new crossing points

The European Commission announced a decision on the opening of three new crossing points in Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

A European Commission press release said ‘the list of crossing points at which persons and goods may cross the line has been extended so as to include three additional crossing points in the western part of the island in Kokkina and Kato Pyrgos.’

These crossing points are Kato Pyrgos – Karavostasi, Kato Pyrgos – Kokkina and Kokkina – Pachyammos.

It added that the EU Green Line Regulation, approved in 2004, ‘has been amended just in time to facilitate the crossing of Turkish Cypriots to the village of Kokkina on 8 August to participate in a commemoration annually organised there.’

‘It is now for the two communities to agree on the actual opening of new crossing points. This will allow the new measure to come into effect,’ the Commission said.