NewsLab

Emotions run high today in Cyprus as Ledra street, a powerful symbol of the island’s division, opens. In a goodwill and symbolic gesture Greek and Turkish Cypriots pulled down this morning barricades that have separated them for nearly half a century, reopening Ledra Street in Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe. 

(AP PHOTO)
Hundreds of Greek and Turkish Cypriots gathered at both ends of Ledra, hoping to cross over through checkpoints. In a ceremony attended by United Nations envoys, aides to the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders and local officials, the 80-metre stretch of road in the main commercial district of Nicosia was opened to pedestrians. Apart from boosting communication between the two sides, the barricades’ fall echoes the will to resolve the Cyprus standoff on the basis of a fair and viable solution, put an end to occupation and reunify the island, Greek Cypriot Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said.

But high expectations were not met, when hours later, Greek Cypriot authorities
shut temporarily the Ledra Street checkpoint, claiming a violation
of an agreement by the Turkish Cypriot side regarding the
presence of Turkish Cypriot police in the area.
    ”It is closed because of a violation of what was agreed by
the occupation authorities,” Cypriot Justice Minister Kypros
Chrysostomides said.  Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island. The rupture on Ledra Street precedes that by some 15 years, when barricades were erected by Turkish Cypriots in 1958. A more permanent roadblock was erected after ethnic strife in 1963. Opening the road is a highly symbolic gesture ahead of talks to end the Mediterranean island’s division, an obstacle to Turkey’s bid to join the European Union and a source of tension between NATO partners Athens and Ankara.