The TRNC Presidency has stated that with the belief that the opening of the Lokmacı (Ledra Street) gate would be beneficial to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots, studies to open the gate are continuing at full speed and it would be opened as soon as possible.

In a statement issued by the President's Press Office it was stated that in addition to the infrastructure works being carried out by the Turkish Cypriot side, the road and buildings between the two gates were in the process of being rehabilitated.

The statement said:

"On 27 September 2005, we announced to public opinion that the Turkish Cypriot side would commence on studies to open the Lokmacı gate as soon as possible. Studies to open this gate, which we believe will be beneficial to both Turkish and Greek Cypriots and the whole of Nicosia, are continuing at full speed. Besides the ongoing infrastructure studies that are being carried out on our side, we are also cooperating with the UNDP, who will be responsible for the rehabilitation of the road and buildings between the two gates within the framework of the Nicosia Master Plan.

Within the framework of its ongoing studies in this direction, the Turkish Municipality of Nicosia is also implementing several infrastructural and superstructural projects for the opening of this gate.

As it is known, several months ago we unilaterally opened the Bostancı gate and proved that it was the Greek Cypriot administration that was preventing the opening of this gate. Despite the constructive step taken by our side towards the opening of the Lokmacı gate, the Greek Cypriot administration is once again blaming the Turkish Cypriot side for creating problems and obstacles and is trying to conceal its unwillingness towards the opening of the Lokmacı gate. Contrary to all allegations and accusations we intend to speedily conclude our studies and open the Lokmacı gate as soon as possible".

The Government of the Republic of Turkey has decided to give TRNC authorities 500 thousand New Turkish Liras towards the ongoing studies to open the Lokmacı gate.

According to a written statement issued by the Press Office of the Republic of Turkey's Embassy in Nicosia it was stated:

"Turkey is following with pleasure the ongoing studies carried out by the TRNC authorities to open the Lokmacı gate. Within this framework, with the aim of supporting the studies carried out by the TRNC authorities, Turkey has decided to donate 500 thousand New Turkish Liras for this purpose.