The Greek Cypriot head of DIKO announced the immediate start of technical work to open the crossing points at Lymbia-Louroutzina and Kampos-Karavostasi—was announced by the Greek Cypriot head of the Bi-communal Technical Committee on Roadblocks, Giorgos Kasoulides, following the agreement announced yesterday by Olgin, Christodoulides, and Erciyuman.
Speaking on the Alpha News program, Mr. Kasoulides explained that preliminary studies and recommendations have already been submitted to the government regarding the routes, the necessary projects, and funding. As he explained, the first step will be for experts to visit the two regions in order to conduct topographic surveys, examine possible routes, and consult with residents to determine the road alignments.
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The Technical Committee includes civil engineers, architects, and surveyors, and other specialists will be brought in as needed.
Concerns Regarding Projects in the Dead Zone
Mr. Kasoulides pointed out that the most difficult part of the project concerns the works that must be carried out within the Buffer Zone, where consultation and coordination between the two communities are required, always under the supervision of the United Nations. Once the technical studies are completed and the necessary work is agreed upon, issues such as project financing will be examined in parallel. Among other things, it will be explored whether European funds or other sources of financing will be utilized, at least for the portion of the infrastructure to be constructed within the Buffer Zone.
Standard practice provides that each side undertakes the construction of the necessary facilities in the area under its control, while during the implementation phase, the expertise of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is expected to be utilized, as was the case with the improvements to the Agios Dometios roadblock. At the same time, the Greek Cypriot head of the Committee made it clear that he is unable to specify when the projects will begin or when they will be completed. He noted, however, that the decision by the two leaders calls for the simultaneous opening of both crossing points, which makes it necessary to plan and carry out the work in parallel.
The Lybia roadblock project is at a more advanced stage
Regarding the two areas, Mr. Kasoulides noted that some preliminary work has been done recently on the Lympia-Louroutzina crossing point, however, there is not yet a complete picture of the final route that will be followed. Regarding the Kampos–Karavostasi area, he admitted that he had not personally visited the site, adding that he had been informed that the existing road is in rather poor condition. The Technical Committee will visit the site, in cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the United Nations, to examine the technical feasibility and submit specific recommendations.
When asked whether the Committee had raised this specific issue from the outset, Mr. Kasoulides noted that the issue of roadblocks had been discussed at a high level in recent years, either among negotiators or among leaders. As he explained, this specific option was considered when difficulties arose with other proposals, as part of the search for solutions that could make life easier for the residents of the area.
What Happened with Athienou and Kokkina
Reference was also made to outstanding issues concerning other crossing points that had been included in previous discussions, such as Aglantzia-Pyroi and Kokkina. Regarding Pyroi, Mr. Kasoulides explained that the initial Greek Cypriot proposal called for the use of the old road, most of which lies within the buffer zone and, as he noted, is in very good condition and runs straight.
Subsequently, a compromise proposal was submitted, according to which part of the route would follow the old road and another part would pass through the occupied areas. However, regarding the outcome of the latest discussions, he is awaiting an update from the negotiator and the President of the Republic.
Regarding Kokkina, he noted that the Commission has been considering options and making preparations so that it will be able to act quickly if a relevant decision is made. He pointed out, in fact, that if passage along the coastline becomes feasible, the route would be particularly short, as opposed to having to take a road at a higher elevation, with hills and ravines.
The “struggle” continues
In addition to the new crossing points, the Bi-communal Technical Committee also deals daily with problems arising at the existing roadblocks. As Mr. Kasoulides noted, issues concerning the movement of people, as well as specific disputes or difficulties, are constantly brought before the Committee, which strives to find solutions in cooperation with its Turkish Cypriot counterpart and the United Nations.
Particular sensitivity, he said, is shown toward humanitarian issues, such as the passage of ambulances and schoolchildren. He also made special mention of Turkish Cypriot students who travel to the free areas for their studies, noting that efforts are being made to facilitate their movement. In conclusion, he emphasized that the Commission is in constant communication with the other side, with the aim of immediately addressing any problems that arise and improving the operation of the crossing points.
SEE ALSO: View photos: This is where the new Lymbia-Louroutzina roadblock will open
