The issue of opening roadblocks along the ceasefire line seems to be very low on the Cypriot government's list of priorities. But neither from the Turkish Cypriot side is there any report of a possible opening of roadblocks. The occupation regime, however, is making preparations for the next day of the reopening of the crossing points.
On the part of the Cypriot government, attention to the issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic is focused on many other issues and not on the issue of opening the roadblocks. Government sources asked about this either respond succinctly referring to the long term or avoid saying anything.
When asked by government officials about the possibility of opening the roadblocks, the only answer we received was the statement of ignorance about "when they will open". The same government source characteristically noted that the whole issue has not concerned them. At the same time, expressing the assessment that the inter-ministerial committee at some stage is expected to present a proposal for the opening of roadblocks and after that the issue will go to the Ministry. This will happen at some point, it is typically noted, without entering a time horizon.
At the party level, however, it seems that some have begun to prepare for the next parties and especially how the political forces should act on the basis of the new situation that will arise.
AKEL and the Turkish Republican Party of Turkey in a joint statement note that "as soon as conditions allow, all crossing points should be opened and traffic on both sides should be allowed." AKEL and RTK emphasize that "in order for the transit to start, the control for non-transmission of the coronavirus should be ensured, when the necessary health checks should be carried out in the first phase. The two parties will elaborate and propose concrete proposals, reminding that "the fate of all Cypriots is common" and that "the only way to solve the problems is cooperation and solidarity".
When the roadblocks open, those who will move to the occupied areas and mainly to Nicosia and Kyrenia will have to be prepared for a new situation when they are particularly busy with vehicles. According to a report by Geni Duzen (source of GTP), the occupying regime is installing hundreds of cameras in Kyrenia and Nicosia.
According to the report, 892 cameras will be installed in the two occupied cities and according to Erdal Sanlindag, "vehicle registration numbers will be scanned and all relevant information will be checked, such as license, mechanical control and security". He also said that there would be a system "that would monitor the city and control it electronically", and that the goal is "to achieve greater security at the entrances and exits at the border". The cost of the project will be 9.405.000 euros (72 million Turkish pounds) and is funded by Turkey.
Source: philenews