Nicosia: The state remains irrevocably committed to ascertaining the fate of every missing person, to restoring historical truth and to preserving collective memory, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, said on Sunday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in his memorial speech at the annual religious memorial service for the soldiers and citizens of the Municipal District of Livadia, who lost their lives during the tragic events of 1974 and 1963-64, Vafeades emphasized that the ceremony reflects on the past, the present, and the future, highlighting the ongoing wounds of the invasion. He noted that the occupation of 37% of Cyprus remains a national issue and a daily reality for those who continue to search for missing loved ones, have been displaced, or are still seeking justice.
Vafeades reinforced the state’s unwavering commitment to resolving the issue of missing persons, restoring historical truth, and preserving collective memory. He affirmed that the political leadership is actively working towards the reunification of Cyprus, seeking a solution in line with UN Resolutions and European Union principles to end the occupation and division, thereby ensuring human rights for all Cypriots.
Concluding his address, Vafeades expressed hope that through faith and unity, the vision of reunification will eventually be realized.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory, leaving the fate of hundreds of people unknown. A Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) was established through an agreement between the leaders of the two communities. Its mission is to exhume, identify, and return the remains of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots who went missing during the inter-communal fighting of 1963-1964 and in 1974.
According to statistical data published on the CMP website by July 31, 2025, out of 2,002 missing persons, 1,707 were exhumed, and 1,055 were identified. Of the 1,510 Greek Cypriot missing persons, 759 were identified, while 751 remain missing. Among the 492 Turkish Cypriot missing persons, 296 were identified, with 196 still unaccounted for.