Cyprus-Forum.com

[joe]

http://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/pio/pio.nsf/c ... enDocument

Statements by President Papadopoulos on Ledra Street

Statements by President Papadopoulos on Ledra StreetThe President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, replying to press questions after a visit to the new Nicosia Hospital today and asked whether the occupation forces were considering the opening of Ledra Street, noted the following: “There are statements but I do not know how sincere they are. We have given written proposals to the United Nations, about nine months ago, about the removal of the bridge and all the points, which create a border station and not a crossing point”. President Papadopoulos added that there was no official statement on the matter. Invited to comment on Mr Christofias’ meeting yesterday with Mr Talat and Mr Soyer, the President told journalists that the issue of Ledra Street had not been discussed. Asked to say whether the Government would draw up a comprehensive plan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, the President of the Republic replied as follows: “I believe something like that would be wrong since it would automatically mean that we abandon the UN initiative and for many other political reasons as well”. Mr Papadopoulos explained that “it is one thing to prepare a framework of principles, which has been well known for many years, and it is another thing to draft a plan”. -28.12.2006

[cypezokyli]

well paps statement was early today. the update of this is that talat is planning to remove the bridge.

who thinks that we ll find excuses not to open ledras ?

somehow i have the fear that our goverment will find an excuse to hinder the process , giving talat a propaganda victory (assuming that talat indeed removes the bridge). lets hope that they will be clever.

[Bananiot]

We are already asking for custom desks to go as well as they give an aura of a different country to the north. If Talat agrees to that too, what shall we do? I know, ask for the Turkish army to depart!

[Piratis]

We have given written proposals to the United Nations, about nine months ago, about the removal of the bridge and all the points, which create a border station and not a crossing point

The government has been clear for long time already. There is no need for speculation when from our side everything is said in a direct and written way.

Personally I don't see how opening check points is helpful. What we want is legality and respect to our human rights and the sovereignty of our country. Not a tourist destination.

[Pyrpolizer]

The Ledra street opening is totally useless. We already have the other crossing 5 minutes away and its been almost dead most of the time. Unless the occupation regime abolishes the sowing of passports I don't see any purpose for another opening.
As the situation now holds a crossing at Tylliria is a 1000 times more useful.

[MR-from-NG]

Pyrpolizer

Unless the occupation regime abolishes the sowing of passports I don't see any purpose for another opening.

Pyrpolizer, this would not be an unreasonable request from the ROC. Would they then let the TC's across without having to produce their passports?

[Piratis]

I believe TCs only have to show that they are Cypriots (not settlers or foreigners) and they can do this just with their Cypriot ID.

Just yesterday I was listening on the radio of a German official (presidency of the EU soon) saying that RoC should be more effective in controlling illegal immigration coming thought the north.

[Pyrpolizer]

mrfromng,

The RoC has hundreds of times asked Talat to stop this passport thing.Talat promised he would do, and what did he do in the end? Nothing. I personally wouldn't mind signing somewhere my name and telephone even my ID number in case something happens to me and get lost or something. But to be controlled as if I enter a foreign country for me it is preposterous.
To give you an example of their intentions to treat us like foreigners here's an incident that happened to a friend of mine just a few days ago. He went together with other 4 people inside a car all holding their passports. One of the guys passport expired one month ago but he hasn't noticed. The "trnc" policemen forced him out of the car and sent him back!!!!

[MR-from-NG]

One of the guys passport expired one month ago but he hasn't noticed. The "trnc" policemen forced him out of the car and sent him back!!!!

That is just simply stupid. As you say for your own security personal details handed at the crossing is not a big deal. Talat has announced 2007 is the year he hopes to make good progress on the Cyprob. Maybe this is one of the issues he addresses.

You did not say though if the same should be offered to TC's crossing over to the ROC.

[Pyrpolizer]

I wouldn't have any objections offering the same to the TCs. The fact is however this would be more "checking up" than what they already have. You know what they do now?They just wave an identity card. Most police officers don't even care to look at it carefully as long as they recognise it is an RoC card from a distance. I personally met with TCs who crossed bringing a settler with them who just borrowed an ID from another TC