A race is underway to open the two roadblocks that were set up yesterday at the Dian residence. Alpha has obtained the exact maps that were discussed at the meeting with Maria Olgin.
In the Tsakkistra Plain, the route through the buffer zone will start in the Kurvula area and end near the village of Ambeliko, a distance of 2 kilometers. In Louroutzina, a 299.14-meter route will be established connecting to Lybia.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“Topographic plans will be drawn up, and we will also discuss the matter with the residents there,”
said the head of the bicommunal committee.
Although the residents of Lybia have not been officially informed, they say they are satisfied; however, they are requesting the construction of a perimeter road to prevent traffic congestion.
SEE ALSO: Civil engineers, architects, and surveyors are getting to work in Lybia and Kampo on the two new roadblocks
“It will relieve the Turkish Cypriots of their isolation, and for us, there will be commercial benefits from the arrival of the Turkish Cypriots.”
Deputy Mayor of Lybia
The decision also lifts the isolation of the approximately 200 residents of Kampos in Tsakistra, while residents of Kokkina continue to express disappointment. The mayor of Athienou sees the glass as half full and is optimistic that the opening of the Athienou–Pyroi – Aglantzia route will be approved before the UN Secretary-General.
READ ALSO: Letympiotis explains: Why Kokkina was left out and why Erciyurman’s Turkish proposal was rejected
The Strong “Cards” Left Out
While the opening of the roadblocks may keep the process alive, progress at the other two—Mia Milia and Athienou—would give the entire effort a different dimension and a boost. These are the trump cards for the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot sides, respectively, and it is no coincidence that they have been kept on the back burner.
Reports indicate that the reason the route was not finalized was the Turkish Cypriot leader’s insistence on opening the Arsos- Pyla Road, despite the memorandum of understanding with the Greek Cypriot side.
This memorandum was signed in 2023 following the incidents involving the blue-helmeted forces at that location and provides, among other things, for residential development in the area.
SEE ALSO: View photos: The new Lybia-Louroutzina roadblock will open at this location
Athienou and Mia Milia
Based on objective criteria, Mia Milia is considered the most beneficial option for both the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriot side; according to relevant sources, wishes to exchange it for Athenou, based on the principle of reciprocity. After 1.5 years of discussions on the route, the Turkish Cypriot leader had, until yesterday, proposed a route leading out of Geri. This is considered to be against the interests of the Greek Cypriots.
“We are ready to build the road from the north to the village of Geri. In fact, if we build the road from the north, there are some Cypriot properties there that date back to before 1974. It has been said that this will raise the issue of their expropriation.”
Tufan Erhurman
Demining is stalled due to a lack of agreement on clearing explosives from 70,000 square meters along the buffer zone. The Turkish Cypriot leader proposed direct communication between the commander of the occupying forces and the commander of the National Guard—something the Republic of Cyprus cannot accept.
Watch Evangelos Agapios’s report:
