Nicosia: Determining the fate of every missing person remains an unfulfilled duty to both the families and the homeland, House President Annita Demetriou said on Monday during a meeting with a delegation from the Panhellenic Committee of Parents and Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners of War and Missing Persons of the Cyprus Tragedy.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou welcomed the Committee's President, Maria Kalbourtzi, and members of the delegation, emphasizing that the day of remembrance serves as a reminder of the responsibility to support the families of the missing. She highlighted that the fate of the missing should be fulfilled as a duty to the families and the homeland, with intensified efforts needed until the fate of the last missing person is established.
Demetriou noted that gradual progress is being made, which brings recognition to the unresolved crime in Cyprus and moves families closer to the closure they seek. She stressed that the missing are not merely numbers but individuals whose families deserve to honor them properly. Demetriou expressed confidence that through cooperation and political will, more can be achieved, urging that the issue remains a priority until justice is delivered.
Maria Kalbourtzi, President of the Panhellenic Committee, thanked Demetriou for her significant support. She acknowledged the slow progress but emphasized its substance due to cooperation with the House of Representatives. Kalbourtzi appreciated Demetriou's initiative to address the Hellenic Parliament regarding the official recognition of the Day of Remembrance for the Missing, calling it a positive step.
Kalbourtzi also highlighted the need for greater public awareness in Greece regarding the humanitarian issue of the missing from Greece and Cyprus. She described it as inexcusable that many remain unaware of the issue.
In her closing remarks, Kalbourtzi expressed gratitude for Demetriou's ongoing support and solidarity. Earlier, Demetriou also met with New Democracy MP Georgios Stylios, who is in Cyprus representing the Hellenic Parliament at events commemorating the tragic anniversaries of 1974.