Cyprus prepares to open Limnitis checkpoint

The government of Cyprus proceeded unilaterally with preparations for the opening of the Limnitis crossing point near the northwestern coastal town of Pyrgos, that would allow Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to cross to and from the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus.

Acting President and President of the House Demetris Christofias said that Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat never wanted to open the Limnitis crossing point.

“Talat’s argument that the crossing point would only serve Greek Cypriots, really saddens me deeply”, he said.

Christofias added that Talat is using the above argument “as if he is not a Cypriot and as if he does not want both communities to benefit” from the opening of Limnitis.

He hoped that no more excuses would be found by the Turkish Cypriot side for not opening any more crossing points, including the one at

Answering to questions, he said that Talat’s statement that the Greek Cypriot side has added new demands so that the Ledra crossing point does not open, is wrong.

After demolishing the wall at

On March 8, the National Guard demolished the wall at

However, the government clarified that the demolition of the wall does not mean the opening of the crossing point to and from the Turkish occupied areas, unless security issues are addressed.