Nicosia mayor expresses disappointment over lack of new vehicle crossing

On November 9, 2026, the Turkish Cypriot mayor of occupied Nicosia, Mehmet Harmanci, publicly expressed his frustration regarding the outcome of a meeting between Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman, held under United Nations auspices. While the leaders agreed to open new crossing points in Louroujina-Lympia and Kampos-Pyrgos, Harmanci criticized the failure to address the severe traffic congestion within Nicosia itself.

Harmanci highlighted that the continued reliance on the Agios Dometios crossing point creates hours of waiting, which he described as a significant obstacle to daily life and inter-communal contact. He argued that the opening of a new vehicle crossing at Mia Milia was essential to alleviate this pressure. According to the mayor, the lack of progress on a capital-based crossing demonstrates that current confidence-building measures are failing to address the most urgent needs of the local population.

While officials have acknowledged the new agreements on regional crossings, there is no immediate indication of a policy shift regarding the Nicosia city center. Harmanci maintains that the current situation keeps the city's movement effectively captive, calling for more permanent and decisive steps to improve connectivity.