The Bi-Communal Peace Initiative held a press conference today for the opening of new border crossings to be put into practice, ahead of the protest to be held at Lokmacı (Ledra) crossing on Saturday, May 27.
Representatives from the Bi-Communal Peace Initiative attended the press conference held today, (Wednesday) at the Home for Cooperation with the slogan “We are opening new roads – we are reuniting Cyprus”.
Şener Elcil spoke in Turkish and Elias Demetriou spoke in Greek on behalf of the Bi-Communal Peace Initiative, during the press conference.
A Turkish and Greek joint press declaration was read out at the press conference.
Şener Elcil announced that Turkish Cypriot organizations will meet at the Lokmacı (Ledra) crossing point at 9.45 am and Greek Cypriot organizations will meet at Ledra Street and will head to the Home for Cooperation at 10.30 pm.
Elcil noted that the demands of opening new border crossings, the reunification of the island, and increasing economic, social, and cultural relations will be put forward during the action to take place.
PRESS RELEASE:
Aziz Selengin read out the declaration in Turkish at the press conference stating that despite the fact that 20 years have passed since the opening of the first crossing point, Cyprus continues to be divided with barbed wires. Selengin referred to the importance of crossing points.
Pointing out that thousands of people pass through the crossings daily for various reasons, it was emphasized in the declaration that the existing crossing points did not meet the requirements of the public.
It also pointed out that transactions and unnecessary procedures were being created at the crossings. Procedures needed to be simplified in order to prevent long queues and bureaucracy.
The signature of organizations and groups were put on the joint declaration. They are determined to work together to apply maximum pressure to open new crossings throughout Cyprus.
The declaration also noted that talks were continuing for new crossing points to be opened for pedestrians and vehicles in Lefkoşa, (Nicosia), Akıncılar, (Luricina), Kiracıköy, (Athienu), and also Erenköy (Kokkina) and possibly other regions as well.
