The enlargement of the Agios Dometios/Metehan crossing point was highlighted in a brief ceremony on Thursday, attended by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives alongside United Nations and international partners, a press release by the UN in Cyprus says.
It adds that Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, delivered remarks on behalf of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, María Ángela Holguín.
"The event underscored the practical, day-to-day cooperation that continues to advance confidence-building measures across the island", it says.
SRSG Diagne was joined at the crossing’s pedestrian walkway by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Negotiators Menelaos Menelaou and Mehmet Dânâ, while also in attendance were the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Coordinators of the Technical Committees, the Co-Chairs of the Technical Committee on Crossings, representatives from the UN Good Offices Mission, UNFICYP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the European Union.
“The ceremony, which followed a technical briefing by UNDP on the project's scope and remaining work, was conducted in a low-key manner, reflecting its focus on functional cooperation” it adds.
The long-awaited project, it continues, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in close coordination with the Technical Committee on Crossings, aims to improve the infrastructure and capacity of the crossing point, facilitating increased movement and contact between communities.
In his remarks, SRSG Diagne acknowledged on behalf of the Personal Envoy the diligent work of the Technical Committee on Crossings and all partners involved, thanking the EU for the funding in particular. He emphasized that such tangible improvements to civilian infrastructure represent concrete steps forward, fostering trust and enhancing the daily lives of all Cypriots.
"The United Nations in Cyprus remains committed to supporting all Cypriots in their efforts towards a peaceful and shared future", the press release concludes.
Source: CNA