Update on excavations for missing persons in Cyprus

Leonidas Pantelidis, the Greek Cypriot representative to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), announced ongoing excavations at several sites including Kato Deryneia, Ayios Memnon, Karavas, Ampelikou, Lapithos, Syrianohori, Galateia in Karpasia, and Strovolos. At Karavas, remains with military clothing were discovered in a 12-meter deep well, while the search at Kato Deryneia involves 12 missing civilians, including women and children. Presidential Commissioner Marios Hartsiotis announced a one-million-euro budget allocation to support specialized genetic testing for identification purposes. This announcement was made during a press conference for the 41st Marathon of Love for Missing Persons at the Archbishopric of Cyprus. The government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with families and scientific bodies to clarify the status of the missing. Additionally, family organizations emphasized the importance of a recent Council of Europe Committee of Ministers decision regarding Turkey's compliance with ECHR rulings. Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus also participated in the proceedings.