UNFICYP stands ready to “facilitate and support” the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot side to coordinate their efforts to ease restrictions at the crossing points when the situation allows, its spokesperson Aleem Siddique has told the Cyprus News Agency.
Replying to a question by CNA on whether UNFICYP would be facilitating discussions between the two sides on the resumption of operations of a number of the crossing points the UNFICYP’s spokesperson said that “we hope that both sides will continue to cooperate closely as they address the public health emergency across the island.”
This, he added, “includes coordinating their efforts to ease restrictions at the crossing points when the situation allows.”
“UNFICYP stands ready to facilitate and support both sides with these efforts,” Siddique concluded.
Turkish Cypriot authorities have prohibited all crossings from mid-March. On April 11 the prohibition expanded to include the diplomatic corps and members of the UN.
The Republic of Cyprus’ Cabinet had initially decided on February 28 to suspend the operation of four crossing points (Ledra Street, Astromeritis, Lefka and Dherynia), as a precaution against COVID-19 continuing to allow the crossing in another five crossing points.
Government will discuss checkpoints opening provided conditions allow
