Government says it is ready to open Ledra Street

The long-running political stand-off between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots over the opening of a new crossing at downtown Ledra Street, may be coming to a close, with expectations that the checkpoint could open before Christmas.

Both sides claim that they are ready to open the gates but are only waiting for a move by the military on the other side.

The Ledra Street checkpoint was erected as far back as 1958 during the guerrilla campaign to oust British rule.

Ledra Street, most of which is paved, has only just begun to spring to life again after decades of neglect when the more prosperous retailers moved further south away from the Green Line that divides the city.

The ‘joining up’ of the two sides of Nicosia is expected to be a boost to retailers and restaurants in the area.