A new process to identify the remains of Greek Cypriot missing persons from 1974 has begun, using advanced genetic technology that officials say will overcome previous limitations caused by chemical treatment of bones.
The Office of the Commissioner for the Presidency announced that the procedure is now being implemented to identify remains that could not previously be analysed using conventional DNA methods.
Advanced DNA sequencing technology used
Authorities said the process will use Massively Parallel Sequencing, a modern genetic technique that allows for more detailed analysis of degraded biological material.
The remains in question had been treated with chemical substances in the past, making reliable identification extremely difficult for decades.
Officials described the development as a significant scientific step forward in addressing long-standing cases of missing persons.
Government funding and institutional cooperation
The initiative follows a decision by the Council of Ministers on 21 April 2026, which approved €1 million in funding for specialised genetic testing.
The project is being carried out by the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics in collaboration with anthropologists from the Republic of Cyprus.
Work has already begun with initial samples, while further collection of remains is expected to continue under the agreed scientific protocol.
Focus on humanitarian dimension
Authorities stressed that the process will focus on skeletal remains considered most suitable for anthropological and genetic analysis.
Officials said the work will proceed through close cooperation between scientific teams, with full respect for the humanitarian nature of the issue and the families involved.
They added that the use of modern scientific methods offers new hope for families who have waited for decades.
Broader identification programme continues
Alongside this development, a fifth phase of the identification of Cypriot remains is also being advanced under the national programme.
The government, supported by President Nikos Christodoulides, reiterated that the issue of missing persons remains fundamentally humanitarian, with a commitment to using all available scientific and institutional tools until answers are provided to every family.
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