Cyprus’ rival sides agree partial opening of crossings

The rival sides in ethnically divided Cyprus agreed on Thursday to partially reopen crossing points for Turkish Cypriots in the breakaway north to cross into the internationally recognized south amid a wide-ranging rollback of a two-month lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

As of June 8, Turkish Cypriots who work, study or receive medical care in the south will be permitted to cross through points where vehicles can traverse, Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said. Vehicles can use most of the nine crossing points along a 120-mile (nearly 200-kilometer) UN-controlled buffer zone.

A small number of Greek and Maronite Cypriots who have lived in the north since 1974 when armed conflict split the east Mediterranean island nation will also be permitted to cross.

The announcement came after Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades contacted...