Cyprus government rules out new crossing point in downtown Nicosia

The Cyprus government said Wednesday that the opening of a long expected crossing point in central Nicosia cannot be achieved with the mere dismantling of a controversial footbridge by the Turkish Cypriots.

After a cabinet meeting, government spokesman Christodoulos Pasiardis told reporters that substantive aspects of the issue, such as the military disengagement and the de-mining of the area had not been addressed.

"The Turkish side, if it is interested in the opening of Ledras Street, should discuss the rational proposals (put forward by Greek Cypriot side) with the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus," he said.

The Turkish Cypriot side has just removed the footbridge they built in 2005 near the buffer zone bisecting the commercial Ledra Street. But a military corridor for Turkish troops still remains with high partition boards untouched.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriots are putting more pressure on Greek Cypriots, calling them to knock down the defense wall on their side so as to pave the way for opening a new crossing point there.

Reports from Ankara revealed that Turkey's army commander has criticized Turkish Cypriot leadership's decision to demolish the footbridge without simultaneous reciprocal steps from the rival side.

Cyprus, including capital Nicosia, has been divided since Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of Cyprus in 1974 following a coup by a group of Greek officers.

Lack of trust between the two communities has frequently held back efforts to reunify the island.

Source: Xinhua