South Cyprus blames North Cyprus over delays in border opening

South Cyprus government has blamed the TRNC for the delay in opening the Derinya border crossing point in Famagusta.

According to Prodromos Prodromou, the Greek Cypriot government spokesman, the Greek Cypriot side has completed preparations and is ready to open the Derinya crossing but ongoing procedures on the Turkish Cypriot side are creating delays. 

Unfortunately, there is a delay and it is in no way due to our side, Prodromou said.

Leaders of the two community agreed to open border crossings in both Derinya and Lefke as part of confidence building measures, when talks to reunify Cyprus resumed in 2015. 

Any complications in the relations of the occupying army and the Turkish Cypriot side is not something that concerns us. Our side was and is ready to open the Derinya checkpoint, Prodromou said.

However, there have been concerns in the south, in particular by Famagusta businesses, that opening the Derinya crossing would negatively impact business in the south.

Cyprus Mail