Critical Meeting in Cyprus

cyprus - KKTC President Ersin Tatar and GKRY leader Nikos Christodoulides hold a crucial meeting regarding new border crossings.

Critical Meeting in Cyprus

KKTC President Ersin Tatar and GKRY leader Nikos Christodoulides met to discuss opening new border crossings after the year-end reception. The meeting, held at the residence of UN Special Envoy for Cyprus and the UNFICYP Mission Chief Colin Stewart, aims to reduce congestion at existing checkpoints by opening new ones. Addressing the traffic issues in Lefkoşa, the leaders consider the opening of a new vehicular crossing point. President Tatar previously highlighted that opening the Haspolat checkpoint would offer a solution and boost trade between the two sides. The opening of Haspolat checkpoint is expected to increase the volume of trade conducted under the green line regulation and ease vehicle crossings. President Tatar had urged the Greek leader to take steps in this direction during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Greek side, on the other hand, is known to demand transit passes in return for Haspolat. This meeting marks the first direct contact between the leaders since last year's December reception hosted by the UN envoy Colin Stewart. President Ersin Tatar is expected to address the media after the meeting.