Missing persons ‘a matter of the present’

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas on Tuesday delivered a speech at the 41st Marathon of Love for Missing Persons, expressing “deep emotion and utmost respect” while reaffirming the state’s support for the families of the missing.

Palmas described the event as “a resounding message of responsibility, humanity and historical awareness”. He said that this year marks 52 years since the “black anniversary” of the 1974 Turkish invasion, which “left an indelible mark on the history of the Republic of Cyprus and shaped the country’s modern course”.

“The events of July and August 1974 left behind a deep wound, which continues to affect the lives and daily reality of thousands of our fellow citizens,” he added.

The minister said the consequences of the invasion remain “severe and multifaceted”, pointing out that “a large part of our homeland remains under Turkish occupation”, while “hundreds lost their lives and tens of thousands were displaced from their ancestral homes, forced to abandon their properties”.

He placed particular emphasis on the issue of missing persons, describing it as a longstanding humanitarian concern.

“Beginning in the 1960s, during intercommunal conflict, and continuing through the events of 1974, hundreds of our fellow human beings were recorded as missing. Since then, their fate remains unknown, leaving behind families who live with the agonising question of what became of their loved ones,” he said.

Palmas stressed that the issue “is primarily a humanitarian and moral matter, touching upon human dignity and the right of every family to know the truth”.

“Behind every missing person there is a story,” he said, adding that families have lived for decades “under the heavy shadow of uncertainty”.

He also called on the international community to “encourage cooperation among all parties involved, so that answers can be provided where silence has prevailed for decades”.

“Establishing the fate of the missing is an act of justice towards their families, while at the same time promoting a culture of respect for human dignity,” he said.

The minister concluded by stressing that the issue “does not belong to the past”. “It remains a matter of the present, requiring social awareness and collective action,” he said.

“With these thoughts, we reiterate our commitment to continue striving until answers are given for every person whose fate remains unknown.”

Meanwhile excavation works are underway in Kato Deryneia, Ayios Memnonas, where the committee of missing persons (CMP) is actively searching for the remains of 12 individuals, including women and children.

Greek Cypriot CMP representative Leonidas Pantelides confirmed that excavations are also taking place in Karavas, near a former landing point for the Turkish navy, where bones were located in a nearby well.

“Bones with military clothing were found and it is believed that these may belong to a number of missing persons,” he said.