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Revision as of 16:57, 4 April 2008
Ledra Street is a major shopping thoroughfare in central Nicosia, Cyprus. The name refers to the ancient city-kingdom of Ledra, established in 1050 BC, that was located in the centre of the island where the capital city is today. During the Cypriot struggle for Independence in the late 1950s, the street was nicknamed The Murder Mile.
Traditionally, Ledra Street was the main shopping street of the capital, although in recent years it has been superseded by more accessible streets further out of the centre. Properties on the street are largely for commercial use and command some of the highest real estate prices on the island.[1] The street leads off Eleftheria square, runs in a South to North direction and is about 1 km long. Most of it lies within the area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus while the northern part currently falls within the areas controlled by the internationally-unrecognized Northern Cyprus.
Earlier history
During the EOKA struggle that ran from 1955–1959, the street acquired the informal nickname The Murder Mile in reference to the frequent targeting of the British military by nationalist fighters along its course.[2]
The street was largely pedestrianised in the 1990s. Due to the military presence at the ceasefire line, for many years it was impossible to travel the full length of the street. Plans in 2005 to open access to pedestrians across the ceasefire line failed.[3] In 2008, however, a joint announcement between Dimitris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat confirmed a political decision to change this.[4]
Border reopening after 44 years
On April 3, 2008 at 9 a.m. local time (06:00 UTC), the Ledra Street border crossing through the UN buffer zone was reopened after 44 years, in the presence of Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials who cut a ribbon in Kykkou street, the road between Ledra Street and what is known as Locmatzi point in the Turkish controlled part of Nicosia. Addressing the ceremony, Presidential Commissioner George Iacovou said this day is "an auspicious occasion" as it signals the opening of the fifth crossing point in Cyprus. The International Herald Tribune reported that officials released balloons to mark the event at the end of an opening ceremony.[5] Immediately afterwards, citizens from both sides began using the crossing.
Border closure and reopening after 12 hours
However, later in the day at 9 p.m. (18:00 UTC), Greek Cypriot Police closed off the new Ledra Street checkpoint due to a violation of the agreement by the Turkish Cypriot side, whose forces penetrated deep into the UN controlled buffer zone. The incident, where the Turkish Cypriot forces penetrated the UN buffer zone and were within 30 meters from the Cypriot Police, was broadcast live on Cypriot televison. A Cypriot Police source said that two Turkish Cypriot "Policemen" had refused to leave the buffer zone which was to be kept free of Turkish occupation forces. Greek Cypriots considered the move a breach of agreement and quickly sealed off the checkpoint.[6] After the arrival and mediation of UN officials, Turkish Cypriot forces withdrew back to their cease fire positions and the crossing was reopened by the Police.[7]
See also
References
- ^ "Ledra Street property prices go through the roof on Cyprus peace hopes". Financial Mirror. 26/03/2008. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "The First Move". Time Magazine. Monday, Aug. 27, 1956. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Demetriou, Olga (2007). "Freedom Square: The unspoken of a divided city". Hagar. 7 (1). Retrieved 2008-03-22.
{{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Breaking barriers: Cyprus street-opening would shatter old symbol of division". Charleston Daily Mail. Associated Press. Thursday March 20, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Ledra Street crossing opens in Cyprus, Associated Press article on IHT website, 3 April 2008
- ^ Ledra closed after just 12 hours, Famagusta Gazette, April 3, 2008.
- ^ "news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7327866.stm".
IZET FUCKING GAY HE LIKE HORSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 35°10′28″N 33°21′41″E / 35.17444°N 33.36139°E