Famagusta: Head of Humanitarian Affairs of Missing and Enclaved Persons, Anna Aristotelous, emphasized the human-centered approach of her office concerning missing persons, revealing that 36 individuals have been identified over the past 18 months. Speaking at a high school event in Frenaros, Aristotelous noted that 15 of these cases are part of the Republic of Cyprus’s program, although 49% of cases remain unresolved.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Aristotelous detailed her office’s focus on a human-centered methodology by altering information-gathering procedures and enhancing the support system for relatives of missing persons. This approach aims to illuminate lesser-known aspects, such as the impact on children and women. Aristotelous stressed the importance of public awareness in garnering information to resolve these cases, asserting it is not just a family issue but a national concern.
Aristotelous also credited the President of the Republic for his proactive role in addressing the issue and strivi
ng for dialogue and reunification of Cyprus. She underscored the priority of identifying all missing persons, describing it as a critical yet tragic aspect of Cyprus’s ongoing challenges, with nearly half of the cases still unresolved.
She identified obstacles in the form of excavations and investigations in military areas in the occupied regions, citing Turkey’s reluctance to release pertinent military archive information. Additionally, Aristotelous discussed efforts to enhance the living conditions of enclaved persons.
Cyprus has been divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion and occupation of its northern region. Despite numerous UN-led peace talks, the conflict remains unresolved, the most recent negotiations in July 2017 ending without agreement. Since the invasion, the fate of hundreds remains unknown.
A Committee on Missing Persons was established to locate and return remains to relatives. Statistics from the CMP website, as of October 31, 2024, indicate that out of 2,002 missing persons, 1,687 have been
exhumed and 1,051 identified. Among Greek Cypriots, 756 have been identified, leaving 754 missing, while 295 Turkish Cypriots have been identified, with 197 still unaccounted for.