Greek and Turkish Cypriot politicians tour buffer zone

Leaders or representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties toured the UN-controlled buffer zone dividing the southern government controlled areas of the Republic from the northern Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.
The tour was organised by the Slovak embassy in cooperation with the UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus.
Ambassador of the Slovak Republic Anna Turenicova told the party representatives this was a “special day” for politicians. She recalled that at their previous meeting on November 14 party representatives discussed the issue of opening

, a main commercial street in the capital, to help boost economic and social development.
“At that meeting, we elaborated on the idea to organise a tour of the buffer zone for all the leaders and representatives of the political parties. And today is the day. I am very happy and thankful to all leaders for a very constructive discussion which was very emotional as well”, Turenicova said.
She expressed her gratitude to UNFICYP for its readiness to help organise the tour and Mayor of Nicosia Eleni Mavrou as well as so called mayor of the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia, Cemal Bulutoglulari who attended today’s meeting.
“Today it might be only a short walk, but it might give impetus for future development”, Turenicova added.
Efforts to open a crossing point at one of Nicosia’s main commercial streets, Ledra, 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 Greek Cypriot armed forces have already demolished their observation post in the vicinity.