CMP carries out excavations in Turkish occupied Agios Georgios
The Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) began on Monday excavations at Agios Georgios village in Turkish occupied Kyrenia, in Cyprus` northern part.
The excavations are carried out based on the results of a survey conducted by an Argentinian scientist who used a special ground scanning radar (Ground Penetrating Radar).
Greek Cypriot member at CMP Nestoras Nestoros has told CNA that the scientist was invited to Cyprus by the Committee last September. He remained on the island for a week during which he used the special ground radar in nine locations in the occupied areas. The scientist visited Cyprus as CMP has a cooperation with the Argentinian Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF).
Nestoros explained that the ground penetrating radar can detect anything “suspicious” within the territory, and based on the survey and study of the data recorded, he recommended that excavations should be carried out in eight of the nine detected areas.
The excavations that began today are carried out at a car yard. Excavations will begin at the Botanical Gardens in Kyrenia and the villages of Trikomo and Kionelli, both in occupied Cyprus.
Nestoras told CNA that the scientist has prepared a report with proposed areas where excavations should begin. He said that he suggested specific areas and therefore this has limited the scope and the areas where digging should take place.
Responding to a question, Nestoros said that the cost for this work was not preventive and that CMP covered only the costs of the scientist`s travel and his accommodation on the island.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.
A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, following an agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning remains of missing persons to their relatives.