Brussels, 12/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - Olli Rehn on Friday welcomed the initiative of the Cypriot government to destroy a section of the wall which divides the island at Nicosia, overnight from 8 to 9 March. The Commissioner for Enlargement now calls on all parties involved to “use the momentum created by this courageous decision” to move rapidly to open up this passage point. This symbolic step forward will contribute towards a global resolution of the issue of Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations, said Mr Rehn. In the view of the Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, speaking in Brussels at the occasion of the European Council, the ball is now in the court of the Turkish community. “The obstacle is not the wall, but the Turkish troops”, said Mr Papadopoulos, explaining that “if the troops withdraw and allow the EU to check for the presence of mines, then the passage point can be opened”. MEP Françoise Grossetête (EPP-ED, France), said that “the demolition of the wall at Ledra Street in Nicosia is a positive and constructive gesture towards the complete opening-up of this historical trading Street in old Nicosia”. The coordinator of the high-level contact group for relations with the Turkish Cypriot community is now waiting for “reciprocal gestures in the same direction”. (ab)