Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Echoes from the Dead Zone: Across the Cyprus Divide
by Yiannis Papadakis is about the author's journey from
the Greek to the Turkish side of the border, overcoming prejudices and finding understanding.
Unification Attempts
In the years since division, talks to reunite the island have taken place sporadically, with
both sides presenting entrenched and uncompromising points of view.
During the spring and summer of 2002, Cyprus and Turkey were seeking entry into the
EU and the leaders of both the North and the South had thrice-weekly talks aimed at re-
unification. Again discussions got bogged down by the intricacies of land ownership and
the real number of Turkish mainland settlers.
In April 2003, TRNC President Rauf Denktaş made the surprise announcement that
travel restrictions across the border would be eased, thus allowing Greek Cypriots daily
access to visit the northern parts of the island. Since then seven checkpoints have been
opened and visiting periods have gone from daily restrictions to up to three months.
During this period Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general, brokered an agree-
ment allowing separate island-wide referenda on a reunification plan.
The 'Annan Plan', as it was known, was designed to make Cyprus a federation of two
constituent states, with shared proportional power. Political leaders on both sides cam-
paigned for a 'no' vote. Greek Cypriots rejected the plan (76%), while Turkish Cypriots
endorsed it (65%).
In 2013 right-wing, pro-austerity Nicos Anastastiades was elected as the new President
in the Repubic and a peace plan was, once again, on the agenda. High-level talks took
place between leaders from both sides and, at the time of writing, there is a sense of cau-
tious optimism in the air and the belief that there will be a different, united future for the
island, sooner rather than later.
A GREEN LIGHT ON THE GREEN LINE
It all happened in a matter of hours. On 23 April 2003 Rauf Denktaş, then leader of the Turkish Cypriots, made
the surprise announcement that the Green Line would open that day for all Cypriots to cross from 9am to mid-
night. The Greek Cypriot government, gobsmacked by
the news, was silent. No on knew how the Cypriot people would react and what the consequences of this de-
cision would be.
Starting with a few eager early-morning visitors, thousands of people crossed the border over the coming
days. Friends and family met, and many tears were shed. Greeks and Turks visited their former homes and were
