Today marks 22 years since the first mutual crossings between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities began, marking a historic shift in intercommunal relations on the island.
The initial crossing points were opened on April 23, 2003, following a decision by the National Unity Party (UBP) – Democrat Party (DP) coalition government. Prior to this, movement between the two sides was extremely limited and controlled.
The decision by the Council of Ministers allowed Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to cross to the other side of the island for the first time in 29 years, symbolizing a step toward easing tensions and fostering people-to-people contact.
The Ledra Palace, Beyarmudu, and Akyar border crossings were among the first to open. Initially, Ledra Palace facilitated both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, but later restricted vehicle crossings to diplomatic personnel only, following the opening of the Metehan Border Crossing.
Today, the Ledra Palace crossing remains open for pedestrians only. Since 2003, eight more crossing points have been established at regular intervals. There are now nine official crossing points in total, with the Metehan, Lokmacı, and Derinya crossings among the busiest.
( Source : BRT News)
