Nicosia:Preparatory work for the establishment of new crossing points in Cyprus has begun as part of the efforts to implement the decision made by the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The Greek Cypriot team of the Technical Committee dedicated to the opening of these crossing points is scheduled to meet this week to address the necessary preparatory requirements.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the agreement to open two new crossing points at Louroujina-Lympia and Kampos-Karavostasi was reached during a trilateral meeting held on November 9th. This meeting included President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhrman, and the UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy, María Angela Holguín.
The Technical Committee is expected to convene next week to outline the specific work required for the project. This includes on-site visits, particularly in the buffer zone area of Kampos-Karavostasi, and coordination with the United Nations. The road from Kampos of Tsakistra to Karavostasi is currently a dirt road, and evaluations are needed to determine the requirements for constructing a proper road in the areas under the control of the Republic of Cyprus.
The crossing point at Louroujina-Lympia is noted to be shorter and simpler in terms of distance. However, it has been emphasized that both crossing points are to be opened simultaneously as per the decision made on Monday.
In a related development, the co-chairs of the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage are set to meet next Monday to discuss the transfer of archival material. This material, which includes documents from the era of British colonialism and newspapers, will be digitally shared to ensure accessibility from both sides.
Cyprus has experienced division since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern third. Numerous UN-led peace negotiations have yet to produce a resolution. The recent meetings build on discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, aiming to open four new crossing points in Cyprus. Despite progress, some routes proposed by the Greek Cypriot side, like the one from Athienou village to Aglantzia, await Turkish military consent.
UN Secretary-General Guterres has announced plans for another broader meeting, pending adequate preparation, with commitments from both sides and the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, as Guterres' Personal Envoy, is engaged with the involved parties, while Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn, serves as the European Commission's Special Representative for Cyprus.