CMP exhumes missing person in the north

Human remains believed to belong to a missing person have been found in the north, using an arbitrary excavation method that appears to be more promising in finding unmarked graves.

The Committee on Missing Persons says the human remains of a single individual were exhumed in Lapithos/Lapta. A press release on Thursday said a new exhumation of human remains in Lapithos, using a random sampling technique.

“This exhumation took place in a deep well using a new method for well digging under experimentation that promises to expedite CMP’s well excavations,” a CMP statement said.

This year, the CMP has exhumed the remains of 19 individuals.

CMP also renewed its call to member of the public, who may have any information regarding missing persons on the island, to support the Committee’s efforts by providing information on possible burial sites.

People can call anonymously either the Greek Cypriot CMP member at 22 400 142 in the south or dial 181 for the Turkish Cypriot member in the north.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.

The CMP was established in April 1981 by agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities under the auspices of the United Nations. Its aim is primarily to conduct investigations in order to establish the fate of missing persons throughout the entire island.