Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou emphasized the pressing need for substantial progress in locating missing persons and breaking the deadlock facing the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) due to Turkish reluctance to cooperate. He spoke at the opening of photographer Christoforos Skarpalis’s exhibition “Digging for Peace” on Monday in Strovolos.
The Greek Cypriot side’s position rests firmly on European and international law: “The missing persons issue, the Cyprus problem’s most tragic aspect, primarily constitutes a human rights matter. Knowing the fate of loved ones remains a non-negotiable right for every family.”
Relentless diplomatic pursuit
Government efforts remain continuous and persistent, utilizing all diplomatic tools to ascertain the fate of missing compatriots. “We apply pressure in every direction, aiming solely to uncover the truth for each absent fellow citizen.”
Any Cyprus settlement must fully respect the missing persons issue, Ioannou stressed.
CMP achievements amid obstacles
Since 1981, CMP embodies one of Cyprus’s most significant bi-communal humanitarian efforts. Thanks to their dedication, remains of 1,709 individuals were located, with 1,058 Greek and Turkish Cypriots identified, allowing families to learn the truth and bid dignified farewells.
Yet significant obstacles persist. Today, 944 compatriots remain missing. Turkey’s refusal to grant access to military archives and confirmed remains relocation seriously hinder CMP work. Time exacerbates difficulties, as each passing year erases valuable testimonies and pieces of truth.
State support until last missing found
The state supports CMP “until the fate of the last missing person is clarified. This constitutes our duty to history, justice, memory, and peace.”
CMP efforts rely on bi-communal cooperation under UN guidance, aiming to provide long-awaited answers to families enduring 51 years of profound grief.
Exhibition highlights CMP work
Skarpalis, collaborating closely with the Greek Cypriot Representative’s Office to CMP, showcases the work of scientists, archaeologists, anthropologists, and field technicians laboring in difficult, often dangerous conditions with professionalism and deep humanitarian duty.
“An exhibition illuminating with honesty, respect, and sensitivity the multi-layered work of the Committee on Missing Persons,” Ioannou concluded.
Also read: Seven active missing-person digs; MPs press occupiers for more permits
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