**Demetriou Vows to Resolve Fate of Missing Persons from 1974 Invasion**
In a poignant address on Monday, House President Annita Demetriou reaffirmed her commitment to determining the fate of every missing person from the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Speaking to a delegation from the Greek missing persons committee, she characterized this endeavor as an “unfulfilled debt” not only to the families affected but also to the nation of Cyprus itself.
During her remarks, Demetriou emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to uncover the fate of those still unaccounted for, stating that the search must persist until every case is resolved. She underscored the significance of annual commemorations, noting that they serve a dual purpose: to honor the memory of the missing and to remind society of its collective responsibility to support the families who continue to suffer from the absence of their loved ones.
“The missing are not just numbers,” Demetriou stated, highlighting the personal stories and emotional toll that accompany each case. She expressed confidence that with increased cooperation and political will, the issue of missing persons could remain prominent on the public agenda, ultimately leading to the justice that families have long sought.
Maria Kalbourtzi, president of the Greek missing persons committee, expressed gratitude to Demetriou for her ongoing support. She noted that collaboration with the House of Representatives has led to “small and slow, but substantial” progress in addressing the plight of the missing. Kalbourtzi also praised Demetriou’s initiative to advocate for a day of remembrance for the missing within the Greek parliament, calling it a positive step towards raising awareness of this humanitarian issue.
Kalbourtzi pointed out that there is a pressing need for greater awareness in Greece regarding the plight of missing Greek and Cypriot individuals, expressing concern over the lack of public knowledge surrounding the issue. Her visit to Cyprus coincides with commemorative events marking the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, underscoring the ongoing relevance of the topic.
Earlier in the day, Demetriou met with Greek MP Giorgos Stylios, who chairs the Greek social affairs committee and is representing the Greek parliament at the commemorations. This meeting further illustrates the collaborative efforts between Cyprus and Greece to address the historical and humanitarian implications of the missing persons issue.
As the commemoration events unfold, the call for justice and closure for the families of the missing remains a central theme, with Demetriou and Kalbourtzi leading the charge for continued advocacy and remembrance.