The problem of the missing persons in Cyprus could be not be resolved unless Turkey assume its responsibilities and obligations, Presidential Commissioner Fotis Fotiou told a delegation of the All-party parliamentary group for Cyprus in the House of Commons.
Fotiou briefed on Saturday the delegation on the serious problems and challenges facing the efforts to solve the “tragic issue of the missing persons,” and underlined the need to restore and respect the human rights both of the missing persons as well their families which have been blatantly violated by Turkey for almost half a century.
Turning to Turkey, Fotiou said this country should cooperate substantively and sincerely.
Turkey, he said, has political, ethical and lawful obligation to provide all information on the fate of the Greek Cypriot missing persons from the special archives containing information on mass graves and dead bodies collection in the battlefields, as well the deliberate moving of remains from primary death sites.
Fotiou told his interlocutors that time is running out as most relatives and witnesses are passing away and noted that the solution of this humanitarian issue is a matter of urgency.
Fotiou and the British MPs also discussed the issue of human rights violations concerning the enclaved persons living in the Turkish-occupied areas, particularly with regard to the exercise of their religious and cultural rights.
The full restoration and respect of human rights in Cyprus, he went on, constitutes a necessary prerequisite, for the reaching of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, a solution that would put an end to occupation and colonization and reunify the country.
On the part, the British MPS assured that they will continue to support the resolution of the humanitarian problems tormenting thousands of families in Cyprus, as well to support the solution process to the benefit of the Cypriot people.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Anastasiades and Akinci have been engaged in UN-led negotiations since May 2015, with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.
According to CMP figures, the remains of 1192 people were exhumed by the end of 2016. Seven hundred forty missing persons were identified by December 31st, 2016.