Sunday 6th April 2008 saw the historic opening of Ledra Street, in Nicosia, a key crossing checkpoint between the Republic of Cyprus in the south, and the north, after over 40 years of separation.

Nicosia, the capital of the Republic of Cyprus is the worlds' last divided capital, and has been patrolled by the United Nations, since 1963.

The UN chief of mission Elizabeth Spehar said' It represents the renewal of the peace process in Cyprus, and is tangible evidence that was has appeared impossible for decades is in fact attainable'.

The Republic of Cyprus Presidential Commissioner, George Iacovou said, ‘We aspire to the elimination of crossings and the opening of all roads in this country for all its' citizens with no obstructions as a consequence of its' reunification ‘.

‘ This occasion marked the overthrow of one of the obstacles of reunification', said Ozdil Nami, chief aide to the Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat..

Deputy Director for EU enlargement, Jan Truszczynski on behalf of Director Olli Rehn expressed deep satisfaction and hoped that it would be possible for the whole island to overcome the shadows of the past and move towards a common future in Cyprus, via the House of Europe.

Ledra Street is the sixth crossing on the island to be opened since April 2003.