Leonidas Pantelides, the Greek Cypriot Representative on the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), spoke on SIGMA’s “Protoselido” program about ongoing efforts to locate the remains of Cyprus National Guard hero Tasos Markou.
He explained that the Committee is examining new information regarding the possible burial of the officer, though he cautioned against raising excessive expectations, as past information has often been conflicting and unclear.
Tasos Markou, who assumed command duties in Mia Milia during the Turkish invasion of 1974, is believed to have fallen while defending the defensive line. Although two testimonies link the area to the burial of a senior officer, his traces remain uncertain. Pantelides noted that the area is a military zone, imposing restrictions on investigations, but added that there are indications suggesting this effort might yield results.
To date, 29 excavations have been conducted without success in the broader Mia Milia area, but the CMP continues to “turn every stone,” hoping to find something substantial. Discovering Tasos Markou’s remains would be a significant development for both his family and Cyprus’s historical memory.
Pantelides also mentioned that excavations are underway in other areas, including Petra in western Cyprus, Agia Eirini in the Morphou region, Sysklipos, Katokopia, Larnaca, Nisou, and Kioneli in northern Nicosia. In Kioneli, the excavations pertain to testimonies about ELDYK soldiers, with evidence dating back to 1994.
The CMP representative emphasized that time is a critical adversary, as individuals who experienced the events of 1974 are gradually passing away, taking their testimonies with them. He highlighted that even minor details—such as the image of an abandoned car or a mention of a location someone passed through—can be crucial in solving a case.
The collection and evaluation of information have been ongoing since the early days after the invasion, with the return of prisoners and soldiers. This information has been documented in maps and records, and the CMP processes it to create possible scenarios for locating individuals. As Pantelides explained, “we work with narratives,” meaning descriptions from people who lived through intense moments and often don’t recall the exact place or time. However, every testimony, no matter how seemingly insignificant, holds value.
He acknowledged that the CMP’s work is challenging, emotionally taxing, and requires persistence, consistency, and respect. Nevertheless, the goal remains steadfast: to provide answers, close open chapters, and restore historical truth.
Also read: 1,700 Exhumations by Committee on Missing Persons since 2006
