UNFICYP Announces Lokmaci Gate Swept From Explosives And Mines

LEFKOSA - United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) announced Wednesday that the area surrounding the Lokmaci Gate was swept from mines and explosives.
Jose Diaz, spokesman of UNFICYP, released a statement on the issue and said the UN funded Mine Action Centre team (consisting of 6 experts) found no explosives in the area surrounding the Lokmaci Gate.
Mine sweeping works in Arasta street --in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)-- and Ledra Street --in the Greek Cypriot Side-- constitute the first phase of renovation process of the Lokmaci border-gate aiming the safe passage of pedestrians after the opening of the gate. Under the process, the old buildings in the area (likely to collapse) would be fortified and the buildings in the area would be renovated.
Recently, TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat and Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias, have agreed on the opening of Lokmaci Gate following the completion of technical preparations.
Many officials from UN and the EU welcomed the decision.
(OZG-GC)