Missing persons: A positive step – but not enough

 

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C Press Office, 6th November 2015, Nicosia

 

We recognize the arrangement for the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) to have access to additional military zones in the occupied territories as a positive step. We believe that this development will enhance the efforts that are underway to ascertain the fate of the missing persons of Cyprus.

However, apart from the importance and the help that this access will offer we want to note that it would be even more effective for the work of the CMP if the occupation army and Turkey were to give precise information on the areas where bodies were buried, as well as about the movement of remains. This would give a substantial boost to the whole effort of the CMP.

We also want to point out that this decision taken by Turkey although considered as positive, does not at the same time constitute proof of its will regarding the efforts for a solution of the Cyprus problem. Turkey will be judged solely by the position it will take on the big and core issues that are pending at the negotiating table itself.

As AKEL, we stress yet again that besides the finding and burial of the remains of our missing persons, we are demanding that there be a full verification of the conditions under which they lost their lives.

Finally, we want once again to address an appeal to all those who have any information about burial sites of missing persons, whether Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots, to contact the CMP.