The UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is engaging with the Turkish Cypriot side to clarify the situation at the Limnitis crossing point, the force`s spokesperson Aleem Siddique has told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), invited to comment on the new rules imposed by the regime in Cyprus` Turkish occupied areas, according to which people need to test for COVID-19 every 72 hours to cross the Limnitis checkpoint, and the subsequent protest of Kato Pyrgos residents.
Siddique told CNA that “UNFICYP is monitoring the situation as the crossing points, including Limnitis, very closely.”
“We are engaging with the Turkish Cypriot side to clarify the situation at the Limnitis crossing point,” he added.
The Republic of Cyprus put last month into effect a decision to reopen the crossing points – the operation of which was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic – except the one at Ledra street, for Cypriot citizens and all those who legally reside in the Republic. Those passing through are required to present a certificate saying that they are Covid-19 negative, that is no older than 72 hours prior to their crossing. Subsequently, the Turkish Cypriot puppet regime announced it would open five checkpoints, including Ledra Street, to Greek Cypriots and permanent residents of the Republic who wish to cross. Two days ago the regime announced new rules for entrance from the checkpoints, illegal airports and ports.
Turkish Cypriots working, living or studying in the Republic, as well as Maronites and Greek Cypriots living in the north need to show a negative coronavirus certificate no more than 72 hours old but they need to retest every 15 days.
Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, told the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades that uninterrupted passage through the Limnitis-Kato Pyrgos crossing point would be restored.
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.
