Turkish workers tear down dividing roadblock in Nicosa
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Turkish Cypriot workers with bulldozers started to demolish a roadblock that has divided the Cypriot capital Nicosa for over 40 years. Workers starter dismantling the roadblock, which divides the pedestrian thoroughfare of Ledra street in the heart of the capital on Thursday. Greek Cypriot authorities said that they would also start taking down barriers on their side after consulting with the UN, which controls the area. Although it is a symbol of local residents uniting, political sources say it seems unlikely that it would kick start negotiations on the island.
 The move has been the result of pressure by local businesses that want to see a boost to trade in the historic part of the city. It has been in place since the 1960s.
"It will open, hopefully, before Christmas," said Simavi Asik, deputy mayor of the Turkish-Cypriot part of Nicosia. "The plans are all ready," reported the International Herald Tribune.
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The Greek Cypriot mayor of Nicosia, Michalakis Zampelas, said: "This is a welcome approach if they are opening their side." He added that he was waiting for the green light from the UN, but that if the Turkish Cypriots opened the street, "we are ready to open, too."
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Ledra Street was first blocked in 1958, when Turkish Cypriot residents temporarily withdrew into enclaves as Greek Cypriots mounted an armed campaign against British colonial rule.
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