Cyprus: UN signs deal to build new road and allow crossing point to open

Work is set to begin on a new crossing point that will link the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities on the Mediterranean island after the United Nations signed a contract today with a local joint venture.

The FAP-Tarmac Joint Venture, which brings together Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot companies, will upgrade a stretch of road between Kato Pyrgos/Asagi Pirgo and Limnitis/Yesilirmak in the north-western part of the island, according to a press release issued by the UN peacekeeping mission (known as UNFICYP).

Civilian traffic will be able to flow again through the buffer zone running across the area as a result of the project, which is being funded by the European Union (EU), the United States Agency for International Development and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

UNFICYP’s chief of mission Tayé-Brook Zerihoun described the signing by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as “further tangible evidence that when there is a will, even what seem to be the most intractable problems can be solved.”

The contract follows an agreement last year between Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on the opening of a buffer zone crossing at Limnitis/Yesilirmak.

“Getting to today’s signing was far from easy,” Mr. Zerihoun said. “But thanks to the perseverance and cooperation of the two sides, and particularly of the two leaders, as well as the untiring effort of many in the international community, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots – and all the people of Cyprus – are now taking one more determined step in their pursuit to remove obstacles to peace, reconciliation and prosperity in a reunited island.”

After a trial crossing by ambulances from both communities, UNFICYP enhanced the patrol track in the buffer zone to a standard suitable for emergency use by civilian traffic in advance of the road’s construction.

The mission has been in place on the island since 1964 after an outbreak of inter-communal violence. UN-backed talks between Mr. Christofias and Mr. Talat are aimed at reunifying the two communities.