Lilikas comments on Ledra crossing opening

Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas has said that the Turkish Cypriot side has to demonstrate the necessary good will that would lead to the lifting of those obstacles, concerning security matters, that do not allow the opening of the

crossing point.
“We are in constant contact with the United Nations. We have asked the UN to call on both sides to proceed to a dialogue through which we will be able to lift all obstacles that exist now, in order to open the crossing point”, he said.
Asked whether Cyprus’ security issue concerns regarding the opening of the crossing point have been understood and accepted, Lillikas referred to the statements made by UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Cyprus, Michael Moller, “who stressed that the security problems that emerge, must be discussed”.
He furthermore noted that before the crossing point opens, secure conditions for the smooth and safe free movement of all citizens should be created.
The government of Cyprus has submitted to the UN in writing the preconditions to open the

crossing point, which include the withdrawal of the troops from the region, the unmanning of the area, the restoration of adjacent buildings and the demining.
The United Nation’s Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Lillikas said, “conducts separate dialogue on the issue with the Turkish occupation army and with our side”.
Asked whether Turkish army patrols, and military camps that are close by

are a concern, Lillikas said “we have come up with a plan, that we submitted to the UN with certain proposals”.
He added that some issues will be discussed between the representatives of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus in a direct dialogue in the presence of the UN, and there are other security issues that are being discussed upon an initiative of UNFICYP.