The opening of a crossing point, in the capital, to and from the northern Turkish occupied areas depends on the Turkish side, President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos stressed here today.
He also stressed that the government will not allow any territory to be lost in return for opening a checkpoint at Ledra street, one of the capital’s most commercial streets.
“Since 2005 we have proposed the opening of as many checkpoints as possible, specifically eight. We favour the opening of checkpoints at Ledra and at Limnitis, on the west,†he said during a visit to the National Guard observation post at the end of Ledra street.
Responding to questions, he said as a gesture of good will the government, while maintaining its positions on the delimitation of the buffer zone, that separates the northern Turkish occupied areas from the southern government controlled part of the country, will accept temporarily a UN map to facilitate the opening of the crossing point at Ledra street.
This, he pointed out, until talks on the matter determine the actual status of the area, with the responsibility resting on the shoulders of the UN.
“We will not accept the demand the Turks raise that they should have control of the area. I do not believe there is anyone who would accept to relinquish territory for the opening of a crossing pointâ€, Papadopoulos stressed.
Asked if there are any consultations on the issue, the President replied “the ball is in Turkey’s court†and explained that the Turkish occupation forces and not the Turkish Cypriots have the main say on this matter.
The Turkish Cypriot side, with the backing of the Turkish military, claims control of the area, Papadopoulos said, noting that the government’s main concern is to ensure safe passage for the citizens who would be using the crossing point.
Efforts to open a crossing point at one of Nicosia’s main commercial streets, Ledra street, have failed so far. The Turkish military insists that it shall not move from the area whereas the government of Cyprus maintains that safe passage, for civilians crossing to and from the Turkish occupied north, must be secured through the removal of the army, on both sides. The National Guard has already demolished its observation post in the vicinity.
Since the Turkish Cypriot regime has lifted partially restrictions on the freedom of movement, in April 2003, several crossing points have opened along the 180-kilometre long ceasefire line.
The President, accompanied by Archbishop Chrysostomos II and Defence Minister Christodoulos Pashiardis, inspected today National Guard posts and offered Christmas presents to the soldiers.
