United Nations experts on Wednesday began to clear undetected mines in a narrow buffer zone bisecting a commercial street in downtown Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, local media reported.
The operation is aimed at ensuring safe passage once a new crossing point is opened there.
A team of six demining experts of the U.N. Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is carrying out the operation in the buffer zone near Ledra Street, a UNFICYP spokesman said, adding that it could be completed within the day.
The opening of Ledra Street was agreed upon at the March 21 meeting between the leaders of the divided island's Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. It is regarded as a highly symbolic move to bring the two rival communities closer.
Municipal authorities from both sides of the divided city are waiting for the green light from UNFICYP before they can shore up decaying buildings on either side of the walkway.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and controlled the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers.
In 1983, the Turkish Cypriot authorities declared the establishment of the breakaway "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is recognized only by Turkey.
Source:Xinhua
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