By Sofia Kannas
MORE than 7,000 Cypriots from either side of the Green Line endured hours of waiting to cross the island’s divide for a second day running yesterday, following the opening of two Green Line check-points on Monday by the Turkish Cypriot said.
The easing of border restrictions came just a week after the Greek Cypriots signed the European Union accession treaty, paving the way for EU membership next year.
It is estimated that —- Turkish Cypriots —- Greek Cypriots crossed the Ledra Palace and Pergamos checkpoints between 7 am and midnight yesterday, leading to long delays.
Speaking to foreign journalists yesterday afternoon, government spokesman Kypros Chrisostomides said the government was working hard to ensure that the crossing for Turkish Cypriots was as smooth as possible.
“The formalities required by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus for Turkish Cypriots to cross over are kept to the minimum and we are doing whatever is necessary to facilitate the crossing of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots”.
He added that while Greek Cypriot police were being “very helpful” towards Turkish Cypriots the “law is the law and customs legislation… will be applied in case of contraventions. And this of course applies to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.”
A customs checkpoint was set up outside the court house at the Ledra Palace, with police carried out checks on incoming vehicles for alcohol and tobacco.
Asked if Turkish Cypriots would be allowed to bring over their cars in future, the spokesman said that there were no such plans at present.
“Until further notice no cars entering from the occupied zone can cross over. This is for reasons pertaining to insurance, safety and the non- registration of cars with the Republic of Cyprus’ authorities.”
He added that instead the government would provide free buses to transport Turkish Cypriots to areas beyond the checkpoints.
Chrysostomides revealed that a package of measures for Turkish Cypriots would be announced by the government in the next few days. The measures are likely to include provision for Turkish Cypriots to work in the free areas.
He warned that while the government welcomed any lifting of restrictions by the Turkish Cypriot authorities, such moves could not provide a substitute for the reunification of the island.
“We consider that this is not the solution to the Cyprus problem — there is a long way ahead until we reach a viable, workable solution for the benefit of all Cypriots within the European Union.
“What we expect from Mr. Denktash and the Turkish side generally is a change of attitude and policy so a workable solution can be achieved… In any event, we believe that pressure both on the part of Turkish Cypriots and the international community, and the EU will be increased by these happenings, hopefully leading to a change of heart on the Turkish side.”
He reiterated that the government resented the Turkish side’s insistence that Cypriots entering the north show their passports.
“We consider the demand to show passports an illegal one — we demand freedom of movement throughout the country without any extra formalities which would attempt to show the existence of two different countries.”
The Mayors of the occupied towns of Kyrenia, Lapithos and Karava yesterday said that Greek Cypriots crossing over to the north and showing their passports to Turkish Cypriot police were acknowledging the occupying forces.
“We are giving the impression that we are willing to visit our homes like tourists,” Kyrenia Mayor Constantinos Rologas warned.
Members of the international community yesterday continued to welcome the crossings.
Speaking after being received by President of the Republic, Tassos Papadopoulos, European Parliament Rapporteur on Cyprus’ accession to the European Union Jacques Poos said the developments were promising.
“(This) is something we have asked for and hoped for and worked for since long decades. If a wall falls, if people can travel freely from one side to another, it is an enjoyable moment in the history of a divided country.”
“I think it is a good omen that the Cyprus problem will be solved soon and it will be done by the people. They have to show to their leaders, and I have in mind especially Mr. (Rauf) Denktash, that he has to proceed,” he added.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the United States supported “genuine measures that have the potential to increase contact and understanding between the two communities and thus improve the atmosphere in which to create a just and durable settlement.”
