CYPRUS:TURKISH CYPRIOT leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday strode through a narrow passage in the UN-controlled buffer zone bisecting the world's last divided capital and crossed into the Greek Cypriot sector of Nicosia, writes Michael Jansenin Nicosia
Mr Talat, aides and bodyguards walked along Ledra Street, a pedestrian area lined with clothing and shoe shops. He paused at an ice cream parlour where the owner offered him three scoops of vanilla.
Mr Talat said he used to visit Ledra Street during his childhood and wanted to experience the "new climate" of optimism created by the reopening of reunification negotiations with Cyprus president Demetris Christofias. Mr Talat bought CDs by Greek composers at a music shop, was applauded at a health food store and shook hands with Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Business is booming since Ledra Street reopened last week.
Mr Talat was the first Turkish Cypriot leader to make the journey since a barricade was erected in 1958. During fighting in 1964, the division was formalised. Last week's lifting of the barricade is seen as a symbol of hope.
Mr Talat's walkabout coincided with the conclusion of a visit by Gen Ilker Basbug, commander of Turkish land forces, to the Turkish Cypriot breakaway state. Turkey has maintained a force of 35,000 troops on the island since occupying the north in 1974. Mr Talat is due to visit Ankara on April 24th.