TRNC President Highlights the Importance of New Border Crossings for Both Communities

The President of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, met with Mehmet Harmancı, the Mayor of the Turkish Municipality of Lefkoşa, to discuss the planned opening of new border crossing points between the TRNC and the Republic of Cyprus.

During the meeting, Mehmet Harmancı emphasized that opening the Haspolat crossing point would provide significant benefits. He explained that easing congestion at checkpoints in the capital is crucial for both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, as it would boost trade and reduce traffic at the Metehan crossing, which currently handles 65% of all border crossings.

Addressing the traffic jams at Metehan, President Tatar noted that the road on the northern side has already been widened. However, traffic on the southern side continues to flow through a single lane.

“To speed up the crossing process, the road on the Republic of Cyprus side must also be widened,” Tatar stated. He added that this issue had been conveyed to Colin Stewart, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Cyprus, during a meeting earlier this week.

The President also spoke about upcoming developments in Lefkoşa. With the construction of the Presidential Campus and the Republican Park nearing completion, Tatar believes the Metehan area—featuring new parks and pedestrian paths—will become a popular destination for residents of the capital.

In closing, Ersin Tatar suggested that Mayor Harmancı encourage the Mayor of South Nicosia, with whom he maintains contact, to present a reasonable and constructive proposal regarding the management of border crossings.