Nicosia: Head of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and the Enclaved of the Republic of Cyprus, Anna Aristotelous, has announced that 15 additional identifications of missing persons have been completed over the past one and a half years. Aristotelous also noted that several additional remains have been identified, marking a continued effort to address the cases of those missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Aristotelous conveyed this information during her address to the General Assembly of the Pancyprian Organisation of Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons in Nicosia. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to determine the fate of the last missing person, highlighting the essential role of organizations dedicated to this cause. The struggle remains critical as families of missing persons continue to seek answers.
Aristotelous discussed the challenges faced due to the lack of cooperation from Turkey, which has not provided access to military archives that could facilitate new exhumations and identifications. This lack of cooperation has contributed to 49% of missing persons cases remaining unresolved.
Despite these challenges, Aristotelous expressed optimism due to policies implemented by the Republic of Cyprus. These policies, initiated by the President of the Republic, aim to advance the situation of missing persons. The President has prioritized the issue and engaged with both Turkish Cypriot leaders and international counterparts to exert pressure on Turkey for cooperation.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following the Turkish invasion and occupation of 37% of its territory. The fate of hundreds of individuals remains unknown, prompting the establishment of a Committee on Missing Persons. This committee focuses on exhuming, identifying, and returning remains to families of both Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot missing persons from conflicts in 1963-1964 and 1974.
Statistical data from the Committee on Missing Persons indicates that by November 30, 2024, out of 2,002 missing persons, 1,688 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 missing.