Greek Cypriots begin dismantling Nicosia Green Line

NICOSIA, Mar 9 (Reuters) Greek Cypriots began dismantling a key part of the barrier dividing the island's capital, Nicosia, a Cypriot government spokesman today said.

''We are pulling the wall down,'' government spokesman Christoulos Pashardis told Reuters.

Witnesses said heavy machinery rumbled along the narrow thoroughfare of Ledra Street in the heart of Nicosia's commercial district.

The witnesses could hear drilling in the vicinity of the five-metre-high concrete barrier stretching across the street but could not see any activity due to green plastic sheeting that had been put up.

Ledra Street cuts across the ceasefire line which has divided Nicosia's Greek and Turkish Cypriot residents since intercommunal violence in the 1960s, and a Turkish invasion in 1974 that was triggered by a brief Greek-inspired coup.

Turkish Cypriot authorities eased restrictions on visits in 2003 and five crossing points have been erected since between the north and south of Cyprus.

REUTERS DKS PM0437