Hakkı Müftüzade, the Turkish Cypriot member of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), recently spoke to the Turkish Agency Cyprus (TAK) about the committee’s ongoing work. He revealed that out of 2,002 missing persons, 1,051 have been identified to date.
Müftüzade highlighted recent excavations at the Atlılar Mass Grave, where 37 sets of remains were discovered. He also discussed the annual excavations in military zones, noting that work continues in 10 such areas each year without significant issues.
These excavations were temporarily halted during the pandemic due to border closures but have since resumed.
Addressing statements made by Greek Cypriot authorities, Müftüzade emphasized an existing agreement between the two community leaders to avoid politicizing the issue of missing persons.
He expressed regret over recent comments from the Greek Cypriot side, which he believes violate this agreement. Müftüzade stressed that politicizing the matter would be counterproductive.
“Some statements made by Greek Cypriot authorities violate this agreement. I regret these statements,” Müftüzade said, reiterating that politicizing the issue serves no purpose.
