The excavation works at the Tomb of Makedonitissa in Nicosia in search for the remains of Greek airborne commandos, killed when their Noratlas plane was shot down by friendly fire during the 1974 conflict will start on July 27, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Photis Photiou adding that this constitutes a moral obligation of the State.
Commissioner was speaking to the press after a memorial service held at the Saint Theodoros Cathedral in Paphos, on the west coast of the island, for those killed during the coup of 15 July 1974 officiated by Bishop Georgios of Paphos.
Photiou noted that this is a major and difficult project which will last around six months and be carried out by a team of local and foreign scientists in cooperation with many agencies here in Cyprus.
He expressed the hope that the remains of these young men would be found, identified and handed over to their relatives.
Noratlas plane carrying Greek commandos was shot down by friendly fire on 22 July 1974