Turkish Side Opens a Gate in Divided Nicosia

Nothern Cyprus President Mehmet Ali Talat met with Turkish Foreign Ministry and army representatives in Ankara last Friday and he declared that a concensus was reached regarding the issue.

This move by the Turkish Cypriots sparked debate at home, in Turkey as well as in the Southern part of the island.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said the decision totally belongs to the government in Northern Cyprus.

Head of the Turkish Armed forces, General Yasar Buyukanıt, on the other hand, noted that the Greek side must reciprocate before such a gesture of good goes on to realize.

Former president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Rauf Denktas also objected to a unilateral move, insisting for a similar decision from the Republic of Cyprus on the south.

President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tasos Papadopulos also expressed his discontent with the developments. He said that the barricade is already "illegal" and it's not a gesture on the Turkish side to move it.

"We won't reciprocate", he added.

On the contrary, mayor of the southern part of the city, Helena Mavru appreciated the move and said that the region will flourish if the gate on the border opens.

Nicosia's reunion is closely linked to a solution, which can bring together the two sides on the island, she said.

Divided island

The island remains divided following the Turkish armed intervention to obstruct the atrocities against the Turkish minority, in 1974.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, established following the intervention, isn't recognized on international level.

The ongoing division creates land and property problems as well as economic and political isolation for Turkish Cypriots.

With the accession of the Republic of Cyprus into the EU in May 2004, the problem took a new face.

Former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan's proposed plan for a solution was turned down when the Greek side opposed it in a referendum, despite the Turkish side's overwhelming support. (EÜ)