CYPRUS PEACE PROCESS

Cyprus peace process: Lokmaci crossing in Nicosia opened
The New Anatolian / Ankara
03 April 2008

Lokmaci gate (Ledra Street crossing), which remained closed for 45 years since the start of communal conflict in Cyprus in 1963, opened to pedestrian crossings on Thursday.

It was seen as a new positive development for mending fences between Turkish and Greek Cypriots on the island.

Speaking at the ceremony to mark the opening of the gate, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat's Special Representative for EU and UN talks Ozdil Nami said the opening was symbolic, "both parties will overcome the problems as long as there is a will.

Another impediment has been eliminated for the unification of the two sides."

Repair works started at Lokmaci gate after Talat and newly elected Greek Cypriot President Demetris Christofias met on March 21, and agreed to set up working groups and technical committees which would strive for comprehensive negotiations. Tradesmen of the region are reportedly happy over the opening of the gate to crossings and expect business to flourish.

The reopening of Ledra Street comes amid a new drive for reunification Crossing reopening

"We still have a long way to go," said the mayor of Nicosia, Eleni Mavrou. "This is the first step. We hope many more will follow."