The proposed Mia Milia crossing point in Nicosia would benefit both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, according to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.
- The proposed Mia Milia crossing point in Nicosia would benefit both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, according to Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.
- Despite the challenges, he expressed a commitment to work diligently towards a solution, engaging with international counterparts to seek a resolution that benefits both communities.
In a social media post on Friday, Erhurman stated, “There is no understandable reason” to believe the new crossing would solely serve Turkish Cypriots. He pointed out the advantages that both communities would gain, especially in light of the congestion at the existing Ayios Dhometios crossing.
Erhurman highlighted that the opening of the Mia Milia and Louroujina crossing points would alleviate difficulties for individuals travelling between the two areas. He noted a noticeable trend of Turkish Cypriots spending more time and money in the southern part of Nicosia, further demonstrating the mutual benefits of improved mobility.
He acknowledged the Greek Cypriot side’s proposal for a road connecting Athienou to Aglandjia through the north and the buffer zone, indicating that it is essential for Greek Cypriots looking to travel between Larnaca and Nicosia. Erhurman expressed that he would welcome initiatives that ease the daily lives of Greek Cypriots, suggesting a collaborative approach to the crossing point discussions.
In his comments, Erhurman referred to a proposal for a new road from Turkish Cypriots to Aglandjia via the north, which was reportedly rejected by President Nikos Christodoulides. The reasoning given was that Greek Cypriots may prefer not to travel through the north due to safety concerns.
Erhurman further mentioned a suggestion for EU funding to create a road primarily through the buffer zone, which was met with resistance from Christodoulides. He noted that the Greek Cypriot leadership later raised concerns about former Greek Cypriot properties along the proposed route, which could complicate matters.
To address these concerns, Erhurman offered to compensate the owners of any affected properties through the Immovable Property Commission, but this offer was also declined. He emphasised that multiple proposals had been put forward, which would primarily serve Greek Cypriots, yet each time the responses from Christodoulides led back to a preference for a route through the buffer zone.
He argued that the distance between the two potential routes—through the north or the buffer zone—was negligible and raised concerns about the potential complications of traffic management if the route were to go through the buffer zone.
Upon taking office in October last year, Erhurman reported finding plans for four new crossing points: Mia Milia, Louroujina, Athienou, and Aglandjia. He remarked that while proposals for resolving the few hundred metres between existing crossings were ongoing, discussing additional crossing points would likely hinder progress.
Erhurman acknowledged that his reluctance to publicly address the topic stemmed from a desire to maintain a respectful dialogue. However, he felt compelled to clarify his position due to ongoing discussions surrounding the crossings.
Despite the challenges, he expressed a commitment to work diligently towards a solution, engaging with international counterparts to seek a resolution that benefits both communities.
His remarks followed comments from Christodoulides, who stated the priority should not be the opening of a crossing point that only serves Turkish Cypriots. Christodoulides indicated a willingness to open Kaimakil and Mia Milia, but insisted that roads connecting Athienou and Aglandjia also be addressed to ensure Greek Cypriots’ needs are met.
