SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES OPENING OF CROSSING IN CYPRIOT CAPITAL

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes today’s opening of a crossing at Ledra Street in the old town of Nicosia.  Since its closure in 1963, Ledra Street has come to represent the division of Cyprus.  Its reopening today, after more than four decades, is the symbol of a new and hopeful environment.  As the Cypriots now embark on what will be a challenging process towards renewed negotiations aimed at reunifying the island, the United Nations is fully committed to help them succeed.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record