Cyprus rival leaders agree to first new crossings in decade

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman agreed to open two new vehicle crossings across the U.N.-controlled buffer zone, the first expansion in nearly a decade. The crossings, planned for the Louroujina–Lympia and Kampos–Karavostasi areas, are expected to ease congestion and improve access for residents, though they will open simultaneously on a date not yet specified. The agreement emerged from U.N.-mediated talks aimed at rebuilding trust and restarting negotiations to resolve the island’s division. The leaders also agreed to meet with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in the coming weeks and to advance cooperation on emergency response, cultural heritage, education and environmental projects. Key disagreements remain, including the scope and terms of formal negotiations and unresolved issues such as mine clearance.