Following an agreement to open both Derinya and Aplic border crossing points on 12 November, representatives of a number of economic organisations have stressed the need to open more crossing points.
Technical Committees Coordinator, Meltem Onurkan Samani, said that after the opening of Aplic and Derinya border checkpoints, the committee will evaluate the new proposals, adding that both communities have requested the opening of new crossing points in many regions. She further explained: “The main task of the Committee is to open the crossing points agreed by the [Cypriot community] leaders. For this reason, it is not clear which crossing point or crossing points will be opened after Aplic and Derinya are opened.”
Mahmut Kanber, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Tradesmen and Artisans (KTEZO) noted that all current crossing points are directly contributing both to the economy and to the solution of the Cyprus problem. He argued that there is no crossing point open near the industrial zone adjacent to both sides and for this reason, opening a crossing point in the Nicosia suburb of Haspolat (Mia Milia) could increase mutual trade between the two communities.
Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry (KTSO) Candan Avunduk, argued that opening a crossing point in Haspolat would benefit businesses in the area and would increase trade between the two communities.
Turgay Deniz, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), argued that the crossing point at Famagusta Gate should be opened for vehicle crossings, adding that the crossing point would contribute to the revival of the area and would also contribute to the country’s economy. He added that opening Famagusta Gate would reduce traffic density at Metehan (Agios Dometios) and made a call to officials to open it immediately.
Kibris
