The World - News from May 18, 1989

Greek Cypriot and Turkish forces abandoned 24 military posts along the line that divides Nicosia, complying with a U.N. plan for easing tensions in the Cypriot capital. Maj. Gen. Clive Milner, the Canadian commander of the U.N. peacekeeping force that has been on the Mediterranean island since 1964, said the limited disengagement is “an important first step” toward reducing the chances of confrontation. A U.N. statement said that Greek Cypriot and Turkish forces each pulled out of 12 observation posts in three sectors along the dividing Green Line. Cyprus has been divided since July, 1974, when the Turkish army invaded after a coup by militant Greek Cypriots who sought unity with Greece.