More than 1000 people moved to and from the occupied territories of Cyprus on Monday, through the checkpoint of Ayios Dometios.
According to Cyprus’ police data, until 18.00 (local time) 605 people from the occupied areas passed to the free areas and 493 people passed from the free to the occupied areas passed through Ayos Dometios checkpoint in Nicosia.
Queues at Ayios Dhometios checkpoint – more than 600 crossed in Nicosia
The crossings are particularly high compared to the previous day which was the first day of the reopening of checkpoints after their temporary closure due to the measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Cyprus.
The Republic of Cyprus implemented on Sunday, the decision to open the checkpoints for Cypriot citizens and persons residing legally in the Republic. On Sunday, 51 people passed through to the free areas. But it was not until Monday that the occupation authorities allowed the passage of Greek Cypriots and people permanently residing in the Republic.
To pass, a certificate of molecular testing for COVID-19 disease with a negative indication is required, which in the case of the Republic of Cyprus must have been done at least 72 hours before each movement.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
(CNA)
