President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, emphasized that despite challenges and difficulties, the government is making every effort to resolve the tragedy of missing persons.
Speaking at the event “My Famagusta…”, organized by the Office of the Head of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and Enclaved, in honor of the heroes of 1974 from Famagusta, the President referred to institutional changes implemented by Anna Aristotelous to address this issue.
He noted that particular emphasis has been placed on increasing the flow of information by strengthening the mechanisms for obtaining such vital details. He explained that investigative reporting methods have been abolished in a conscious effort to address past issues, unlock prevailing silence, and utilize all available information.
“Now, interactions and information gathering take place under different conditions, fostering trust and security while also encouraging those with knowledge about missing persons or victims to speak more freely,” he stated.
Addressing the relatives of the heroes, the President said, “Honoring your loved ones is the least the state owes to them. They are held in the highest regard and respect as they represent the most tragic aspect of Cyprus’s history.”
He pointed out that to this day, 49% of missing persons cases remain unresolved, leaving families without the right to truth about their loved ones’ fates.
The President expressed disappointment over Turkey’s refusal to open its military archives, which contain evidence of burial sites, describing it as a significant obstacle to resolving many cases.
He assured that regardless of how many years pass, the effort to determine the fate of every missing person will never be abandoned.
“It is the state’s minimum duty to those who defended the Republic, sacrificing their lives for the existence of the Republic of Cyprus today, as well as to you, their relatives, who have lived with this anticipation for decades,” he said.
He reaffirmed his awareness of his obligations and pledged to honor his mandate to its fullest extent.
Anna Aristotelous, Head of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and Enclaved, also spoke, referencing the tragic history of Famagusta and its people during the Turkish invasion.
She honored the soldiers, reservists, and civilians who heroically fought for their land but either perished or disappeared across Cyprus, including the mountains of Pentadaktylos, Kyrenia, and beyond.
Aristotelous shared a poignant story of the Andreou family, where a mother and her three children, aged 12, 14, and 9, along with elderly grandparents, struggled to escape the invaders. Several relatives, along with other families, including those of Kyriakos Georgallis and Savvas Ioannou, were captured by Turkish soldiers and, according to witnesses, executed in a field near Kato Deryneia.
“These are the people we honor today,” Aristotelous said, referring to the elderly, the grieving parents, the brave soldiers, and the children who were lost during Cyprus’s darkest chapter. She emphasized that their memory and history remain integral to Cyprus’s identity and called for unity and continued efforts for justice and the return to Famagusta.
She noted that it is the duty of all, and President Christodoulides has demonstrated this through a series of actions, to address the humanitarian issue of missing persons and intensify efforts for resuming dialogue and achieving the reunification of Cyprus, including the return of Famagusta.
During the event, 87 individuals, including missing persons and fallen residents of Famagusta, were honored.
Source: CNA
