Nicosia: Turkey must honor its obligations on the issue of missing persons, allowing full and unhindered access to information that will accelerate investigations, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said at a ceremony at the old Nicosia City Hall. The ceremony was dedicated to decorating a Christmas tree in honor of the Missing Persons.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Interior Minister emphasized that the issue of missing persons is not only a political issue, but first and foremost a "question of human rights and justice." He highlighted it as perhaps the most tragic and sensitive aspect of the Cyprus problem. The State stands by the families, working relentlessly to determine the fate of every missing person, he stated, adding that a viable solution to the Cyprus problem must ensure respect for this issue.
The Minister also pointed out the Turkish side's reluctance to cooperate, which has led to a standstill on the issue. In a meeting with the new Turkish Cypriot leader and the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the Republic raised the humanitarian issue, submitting proposals to break the deadlock and give impetus to the investigations.
Konstantinos Ioannou urged Turkey to demonstrate political will by opening the archives of the occupation army to obtain information on the fate of the missing persons. He noted that the fate of approximately half of the missing persons from the Cyprus tragedy has been ascertained so far, and Turkey must honor its obligations as per Security Council resolutions and international law.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, echoed the support for the families, emphasizing the heavy price the country paid due to the invasion and occupation, with the relatives of the missing bearing a significant burden. He expressed a wish for the humanitarian issue to come to a dignified end.
Nikos Kettiros, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees and Missing Persons, highlighted the ongoing pain of families who have not celebrated Christmas or Easter in 51 years due to the unresolved issue. He acknowledged that apologies are owed to the families.
Ioannis Kolios, Vice President of the Pancyprian Organisation of Relatives of Unregistered Prisoners of War and Missing Persons, reiterated the commitment to continue the search for missing loved ones as a sacred duty, urging intensified efforts from all authorities involved.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following the Turkish invasion and occupation of 37% of its territory. The fate of hundreds remains unknown, with a Committee on Missing Persons established to address the issue. As of September 30, 2025, statistical data indicates that 1,707 of 2,002 missing persons were exhumed, with 1,057 identified. Among Greek Cypriot missing persons, 761 were identified, while 749 remain missing. For Turkish Cypriots, 296 were identified, with 196 still missing.