Nicosia: There is a very good environment and a good collaboration between all the members of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) and it makes it possible for 2025-2026 to have more results in our work, Pierre Gentile, the third member of the CMP told the Cyprus News Agency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Gentile was nominated as the UN representative in the CMP in September 2024 and before that he was leading the Center for Social Integration of Refugees (CSIR) in Lausanne. He previously worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from 1996 to 2019.
In an interview with CNA, Gentile shared his initial impressions of his four-month tenure on the island. While he acknowledged that he doesn’t yet grasp all the details, he emphasized the strengths and challenges of the CMP. He commended the collaborative efforts of both communities and the scientists involved, highlighting the professionalism and dedication of the CMP staff across various roles, from investigation to data management.
Gentile noted the unique competency of the CMP staff, which is often acquired over time in response to concrete situations. He praised the constructive relationship between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot members, which facilitates improved results.
The third member identified challenges such as the passage of time and changes in geography due to natural phenomena and construction. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism, citing new information and testimonies received in recent months.
Gentile encouraged individuals with information to come forward, emphasizing its continued usefulness. He explained that new technology is being trialed to improve the precision of locating remains, though no technology can replace the existing investigative work.
He acknowledged the impact of construction changes in the landscape and the importance of witness testimonies in these areas. Regarding the ongoing case in the occupied village of Dikomo, Gentile confirmed the CMP’s continued attention, though no recent developments have occurred.
Gentile stressed the humanitarian mandate of the CMP, which remains apolitical and focuses on finding remains for families. He assured that information provided would be treated with the utmost care to bring closure to waiting families.
Regarding access to military zones and archives, Gentile noted that the CMP currently has access to a number of military sites each year and that efforts have been made by all parties to find information. He expressed hope that new technologies could aid in uncovering additional information.
Gentile described Cyprus as having both strengths and challenges in the context of the CMP’s work, highlighting the professional competencies of the teams and their collaboration. He emphasized the need for increased funding to achieve the CMP’s mission in 2025.
The division of Cyprus since 1974 has left the fate of many individuals unknown. The CMP was established to exhume, identify, and return the remains of missing persons to their families. By November 30, 2024, 1,688 out of 2,002 missing persons had been exhumed, with 1,051 identified. Among the Greek Cypriots, 756 were identified, while 754 remain missing. For Turkish Cypriots, 295 were identified, with 197 still missing.