The Opening of the Green Line

Without a doubt, the unexpected and extraordinary opening of the erstwhile border---guarded, barbwired, U.N. peacekept---that has separated Cyprus since 1974 is an event of exceptional importance.  The border was suddenly opened in late April 2003, mainly through the work of Sendar Denktash, the son of the Turkish community's longtime leader, and an active member of the bicommunal groups promoting reconciliation.  The governments reacted responsibly, and, suddenly, ordinary people were pouring through the checkpoint near Paphos Gate in Nicosia.  No violent incidents were reported, and, on the contrary, hundreds of stories of people going to their former homes and being greeted warmly were the norm. 

Where this will lead is anyone's guess. At this writing---the end of 2003---the social revolution has not affected politics noticeably.  But this will inevitably change. A major set of reasons of the politicians on all sides for the impossibility of reunification have been dashed. 

Below is a list of articles capturing some of what happened. More will follow. 

Crossing the Divide  from The Guardian

The People Respond  from Al Ahram

False Dawn?  from The Guardian

Engineer of the Opening  from Time

Crossing the Line  from the Irish Times