Greek and Turkish Cypriots unite for opening of Dherynia crossing in Famagusta

Turkish and Greek Cypriots on Saturday united in demanding the opening of the Dherynia crossing in Famagusta, as a first step towards the resettlement of the city of Varosha.

Members of the group Famagusta, Our City, assembled at the Dherynia checkpoint to demand its opening, a move, which would promote co-operation and cultivate dialogue, thus building trust between the two communities and peace in Cyprus. In a memo handed to the United Nations, the organisation said it saw Varosha going through a transitional phase until the resettlement of its residents and easy access through the Dherynia crossing was necessary.

Opening the crossing would also cut travel time, boost relations between the two communities, and help in time of emergencies, they said. The organisation said it could not remain inactive as the economic crisis forced young people from both sides to move abroad.

“This endeavour would contribute to revitalise the archaeologically important old city of Famagusta, enabling people from both sides to promote their business and provide services for the common good,” the organisation said.

[Source]