Nicosia: The enlargement of the Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing point was marked by a brief ceremony on Thursday, attended by representatives from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, alongside United Nations and international partners, as reported in a press release by the UN in Cyprus. The ceremony underscored the significant progress in the project aimed at promoting cooperation and enhancing connectivity between the divided communities of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, delivered remarks on behalf of Mara ngela Holgun, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General. Diagne emphasized the ongoing practical cooperation that advances confidence-building measures across the island, highlighting the event's focus on fostering trust and enhancing daily lives.
SRSG Diagne was joined by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Negotiators Menelaos Menelaou and Mehmet DSn at the pedestrian walkway of the crossing. Also present were the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Coordinators of the Technical Committees, the Co-Chairs of the Technical Committee on Crossings, and representatives from the UN Good Offices Mission, UNFICYP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union.
The ceremony followed a technical briefing by UNDP, outlining the project's scope and remaining work. The enlargement project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Technical Committee on Crossings, aims to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of the crossing point, thereby facilitating increased movement and contact between communities.
SRSG Diagne, speaking on behalf of the Personal Envoy, acknowledged the diligent efforts of the Technical Committee on Crossings and all partners involved, with special thanks to the EU for its funding. He noted that such tangible improvements in civilian infrastructure are crucial steps forward in fostering trust and enhancing the everyday lives of Cypriots.
The press release concluded with a reaffirmation of the United Nations' commitment to supporting all Cypriots in their pursuit of a peaceful and shared future. The project gains added significance against the backdrop of Cyprus's long-standing division since 1974, following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, including the latest round at Crans-Montana in 2017, a resolution has yet to be reached.