President Ersin Tatar has said that a formal request had been sent to the United Nations and the Greek Cypriot administration for new crossing points, emphasizing the economic importance of opening crossings, particularly in Haspolat and Akıncılar.
Tatar was speaking during a visit to Akıncılar on Monday where he met with local mukhtars and residents to discuss the border crossing proposal.
He was accompanied by Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler and Presidential Special Representative Güneş Onar.
Before the meeting, he also conducted an on-site inspection at the proposed crossing point.
Speaking at the meeting, Tatar highlighted the historical, national, and cultural significance of Akıncılar, also known as Luricina.
He recalled encounters with people from Akıncılar currently living abroad and the stories they shared about their village and homes.
Referring to past negotiations, he noted that Turkish Cypriots had made concessions during the opening of the Yeşilırmak, Aplıç, and Bostancı crossings without receiving anything in return.
Following consultations, the Turkish Cypriot side submitted an official request through the UN for the opening of the Akıncılar crossing.
Tatar pointed out that crossings between the two sides have been increasing annually, reaching 8 million in 2024, a figure five times the population of Cyprus.
Most of these crossings occur through the Metehan checkpoint, creating significant congestion.
He stressed that the proposed crossings in Haspolat and Akıncılar would alleviate pressure, particularly in trade and airport transportation.
He also mentioned that the issue was raised at an informal dinner in New York, where discussions led to an eight-point proposal from the Greek Cypriot side, including a demand for transit passage.
Tatar firmly stated that transit passage was not an option.
Expressing hope that the opening of the Akıncılar crossing would help restore the village’s former vitality, he once again urged Greek Cypriot leader Christodoulides to act reasonably.
Değirmenlik-Akıncılar Mayor Ali Karavezirler shared optimism about the crossing’s opening, suggesting it could become a reality by August or September.