It has been a symbol of division for half a century, but from tomorrow work will start on pulling it down. Greek and Turkish Cypriot authorities say they will remove a barrier from the main commercial district of Nicosia. The UN-patrolled city has been divided in two since 1958. One local official says the main road that was cut off is expected to reopen within 10 days if everything goes to plan. ( ENews )
Removal of the barricade on Ledra Street is part of a landmark deal brokered on Friday. The Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to resume peace negotiations within three months. It was their first meeting since Christofias was elected to the Cypriot presidency last month on a pledge of pushing for reunification of Cyprus.
Peace talks stalled in 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected a U.N. settlement blueprint accepted by Turkish Cypriots.