ayios dometios — United Nations representative Khassim Diagne has hailed the ongoing work to widen the Ayios Dometios crossing point, which links the two sides of Cyprus at Nicosia’s western edge. This significant development aims to enhance connectivity and cooperation between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
During a ceremony on Thursday, Diagne, accompanied by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman’s undersecretary Mehmet Dana and Greek Cypriot chief negotiator Menelaos Menelaou, spoke on behalf of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin. He expressed optimism about the improvements, stating that they exemplify “in practical terms the power of cooperation towards a shared goal.”
The expansion includes the addition of improved traffic lanes for both sides, a dedicated pedestrian corridor, and enhanced lighting, all designed to boost safety and accessibility at this busy crossing. Diagne remarked, “The expansion work that we have just now witnessed includes improved traffic lanes for both sides, a pedestrian corridor, and lighting to enhance connectivity and safety at the island’s busiest crossing.”
In his address, Diagne also commended both Erhurman and President Nikos Christodoulides for their commitment to increasing staffing at the booths on either side of the crossing. This initiative is expected to streamline the process for those wishing to cross.
Upon completion of the widening works, Diagne indicated that “crossing from one side to the other will become easier to bring Cypriots into contact with each other.” The project has been funded by the European Union and is being implemented by the UN development project in collaboration with the bicommunal technical committee on crossings.
