Ethnically split Cyprus' rival leaders agree to 2 more crossings across island's dividing line

The rival leaders of ethnically split Cyprus have agreed to open two new crossing points for vehicular traffic along a U.N.-controlled buffer zone in the first such development in nearly a decadeNICOSIA, Cyprus -- The rival leaders of the ethnically split island of Cyprus agreed on Monday to open two new crossing points for vehicular traffic along a U.N.-controlled buffer zone in the first such development in nearly a decade.There are currently nine crossing points along the entire 180-kilometer (120-mile) length of the buffer zone that separates the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally recognized government is seated.Long lines of vehicles at some of these checkpoints have been a point of grievance for many, and it’s hoped that the two additional ones in the island’s northwest and southeast will help ease access for thousands who use them daily.It’s not clear when the new crossing points will open but they will be launched simultaneously.More notably, the agreement signifies tangible progress in talks between Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman after months of discussions on trus...