The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, has stated that he is still awaiting a reply from President Nikos Christodoulides on the potential opening of a crossing point at Mia Milia. This follows a meeting with Mehmet Harmancı, the “mayor” of occupied Nicosia, where the matter was discussed.

Tatar confirmed plans for another meeting with President Christodoulides ahead of the arrival of UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo on February 10.

Negotiators from both sides of Cyprus are set to meet this Thursday to discuss opening new crossing points. Tatar’s special representative, Gunes Onar, confirmed the meeting with Greek Cypriot chief negotiator Menelaos Menelaou at 11 am.

The Turkish Cypriot side has prioritised two potential crossing points: one in Mia Milia and another in Louroujina, an isolated village in the Nicosia district. Tatar recently met with Turkish Cypriot mayors of Kythrea and Louroujina to explore the feasibility of these locations.

Ali Karavezirler, Louroujina’s mayor, stated that the village is prepared to construct the 380-metre link between Louroujina and the Greek Cypriot village of Lympia. 

“All we need is to be told, ‘the crossing points are opening’. We will take the necessary steps as soon as the decision is made,” he told Kibris TV.

Louroujina, situated north of Lympia and surrounded by Greek Cypriot territory, is currently connected to the island only by a road leading northwards via the runway of Ercan (Tymbou) airport.

During his meeting with President Christodoulides last week, Tatar proposed the Louroujina crossing, an idea that reportedly received a favourable reaction. However, other proposals from the Greek Cypriot side remain contentious. For example, President Christodoulides has consistently floated the idea of a crossing through the Turkish Cypriot exclave of Kokkina, which Tatar opposes, describing it as a “sacred area” that serves as a military base.

Similarly, the Greek Cypriot side’s proposal for a crossing at Pyroi near Athienou has drawn criticism from Turkish Cypriots, who view it as a transit road for Greek Cypriots rather than a means to enhance interaction between the two communities.

Tatar has emphasised that opening the Mia Milia and Louroujina crossings could ease congestion at existing points, such as Ayios Dhometios, while fostering social and commercial links. He also argued that the Mia Milia crossing aligns with the EU’s green line regulation, claiming European officials view the idea positively.

Further discussions are expected as both communities navigate logistical and political challenges to establish these crossings. For now, the focus remains on Thursday’s negotiations, with hopes that tangible progress will follow.