Averof Neophytou warns against closing Cyprus border crossings

On August 12, 2026, former Disy leader Averof Neophytou publicly opposed recent calls to close crossing points between the government-controlled areas and the north. He argued that such a move would create significant political instability and potentially undermine the Republic of Cyprus by providing Turkey with leverage to advocate for direct trade with the northern territories in Brussels.

Neophytou drew historical parallels to 2003, noting that former president Glafcos Clerides initially feared that open movement would normalize the island's division and diminish the urgency for a political settlement. Neophytou emphasized that today's geopolitical environment is different, citing the efforts of former president Tassos Papadopoulos to prevent direct trade after the 2004 Annan plan referendum. He warned that current calls to close the checkpoints could reverse these long-standing diplomatic defenses and revive problematic debates regarding the legality of cross-line commerce.