Limnitis check point in Cyprus to open October 14

Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou has said that the Limnitis check point will most probably be opened on October 14.

Replying to questions on the sidelines of the meeting of the National Council's sub-committee on the property issue, Iacovou said that the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu will be present at the opening ceremony of Limnitis.

He also said that European Commissioner for Enlargment Stefan Fule expressed the desire to attend the event, noting that “he is welcome to attend”.

In conclusion, he said that EU has co-funded the project with 2 million euro, an amount also paid by the Cyprus Republic. He added that the project is also co-funded the US.

For the past 45 years, Greek Cypriot residents in the area of Limnitis, on the northwest, have to travel to Pafos, on the western coast, and Limassol, on the south, in order to reach the capital Nicosia. Opening a crossing point at Limnitis would make this journey far shorter. It will also facilitate movement between the island’s northern Turkish occupied areas and the southern government controlled part of the country.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third territory. UN – led talks are underway between the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus, President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.
CNA/EMI/GMI/AAR/2010