Turkish Cypriot mayor of the occupied part of Nicosia Mehmet Harmanci has expressed disappointment over the lack of substantive progress towards opening a new vehicle crossing point in the capital, warning that existing traffic congestion continues to affect everyday life.
According to Turkish Cypriot media reports, Harmanci welcomed developments concerning the Louroujina–Lympia and Kambos–Pyrgos crossing points, but said these would not help ease congestion in Nicosia.
He noted that most traffic continued to pass through the Agios Dometios crossing point, resulting in lengthy waiting times and significant disruption for commuters and residents.
Calls for progress on Mia Milia crossing
Harmanci singled out the lack of progress on opening a crossing point at Mia Milia, arguing that such a development would benefit both communities.
He said the failure to find a solution demonstrated that the confidence-building measures currently under discussion were not addressing citizens’ most urgent needs.
According to Harmanci, greater ambition and more permanent steps had been expected from the two leaders.
He also stressed that the long queues at crossing points were not merely a transport issue, but a substantial obstacle to contact between the two communities and to people's everyday lives.
His comments highlight continuing concerns over the practical impact of crossing-point arrangements, despite recent progress on other confidence-building measures.
Source: CNA
