Government submits new proposal on Ledra Street

THE government has submitted a new proposal for the opening of the crossing point at Ledra Street, spokesman Vassilis Palmas said yesterday.

Palmas said the proposal was handed over to UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon when he met President Tassos Papadopoulos in New York last month.

It provides for the opening of the controversial crossing at the end of Ledra Street, an issue that has been dragging on for nearly two years following disagreements between the sides on the conditions of opening the crossing.

Palmas said the new proposal provides for an agreement between the Turkish military and the National Guard that UNFICYP would be in charge of the area as laid down in UN maps delineating the ceasefire line.

He said the proposal suggests that the crossing be opened without either side laying down any terms or preconditions on the peacekeeping force.
The crossing point would then open as soon as practical arrangements were sorted out, including safety precautions, after consultations with the two sides.

The proposal also provides for the opening of a crossing point in the Pyrgos-Limnitis area by the end of 2007 at the latest.

Palmas said the new element was the Greek Cypriot side’s willingness to accept UNFICYP’s map.

The opening of Ledra Street, which is part of confidence building as mentioned in the July 8, 2006 agreement, has been dogged by demands from each side with regard to military activities in the area of the street that lies within the Green Line, which is a strategic patrol for the Turkish side.

The Greek Cypriot side wants Turkish forces out of the area completely.
Palmas said it there should be no troops in the area “other than those of the UN”.

”Our proposals remain on the table and we are ready to discuss them,” Palmas said. “It is important at this moment to implement the July 8 agreement without further delay.”

He said any further delay “serves only those that prevent its application”.

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