Head of Kato Pyrgos Tylliria Community Council, Nikos Kleanthous has asked for the opening of the road of Kokkina, noting that Kokkina was the first that closed in 1963 and since then "keeps the area enclaved".
In statements to journalists on Tuesday, Kleanthous said that they have discussed the matter with the Government, and received assurances that "the issue of the Kokkina has been set as a priority" and that "they will not discuss the opening of new crossing points without the opening of Kokkina".
He was speaking on the sidelines of an annual event during which Turkish Cypriots cross to the Kokkina enclave to 'celebrate' the bombing of Tylliria area in 1964.
It is noted that around 900 Turkish Cypriots in forty buses crossed on Tuesday morning through the Limnitis checkpoint to the Kokkina enclave for their 'celebrations' marking 59 years since the day the Turkish air forces bombed the wider Tylliria area in 1964, on the north-west coast of the island.
The bombing began on August 7th 1964 and for three days napalm bombs hit the area living behind dead and enormous destruction.Since the opening of the Limnitis checkpoint Turkish Cypriots, from the occupied areas of the island, cross over every year on their way to the Kokkina enclave, to commemorate this event.
According to chairman of the committee for the opening of the Pyrgos, Limnitis and Kokkina checkpoints Andreas Karos the crossing took place with the help of members of the police and the United Nations.
Head of Kato Pyrgos Tylliria Community Council, Nikos Kleanthous told reporters that 59 years have passed but the wounds of 1964 have not healed yet and Tylliria "is trying to survive and preserve the Greek element in an unequal struggle with time and decay."
He also said that the opening of the road from Kokkina should have been raised as a precondition from the very first moment when the opening of crossing points was discussed, noting that Kokkina was the first that closed in 1963 and since then "it keeps the area enclaved."
Unfortunately, he continued, while crossing points have been opened across Cyprus - most to the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish side - Kokkina remains closed.
Kleanthous said that they have discussed the matter with the Government, and received assurances that "the issue of the Kokkina has been set as a priority" and that "they will not discuss the opening of new crossing points without the opening of Kokkina".
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency