Special Lane Opened for Children and Teachers at Cyprus-TRNC Checkpoint

A special lane has been opened at the Agios Dhometios (Metehan) checkpoint for schoolchildren, teachers, and those seeking medical care.

The announcement came from the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Anna Aristotelous, following a meeting with a representative of Greek Cypriot secondary school teachers from Rizokarpaso.

According to Aristotelous, the government has "begun addressing a long-standing request from teachers for a dedicated vehicle lane to help them pass through the checkpoint more quickly."

This decision, she added, was made "as part of a people-centered policy to support teachers working under challenging conditions" at Greek Cypriot and Maronite schools in Rizokarpaso (Dipkarpaz) and Kormakitis.

The special lane will also be available to parents of children living in the north who attend schools and tutoring centers in the Republic of Cyprus. Teachers residing in the south who work in the north, and buses transporting elderly residents of the north to hospitals in Cyprus.

The move is aimed at easing the difficulties faced by Greek Cypriot and Maronite children living in the north, as "delays at the checkpoint add to the already stressful situation in these schools."

It’s worth mentioning that today marked the first day of school for secondary and general education students in the Republic of Cyprus. Eighteen students will attend the six-grade gymnasium and lyceum in Rizokarpaso (Dipkarpaz) in the north.