Humanitarian Affairs Head strengthens ties with enclaved communities in Karpasia

Anna Aristotelous, the Head of Humanitarian Affairs for Missing Persons and Enclaved, recently visited villages in the Karpasia Peninsula as part of ongoing communication efforts with the enclaved and resettled Greek Cypriots in the Turkish-occupied areas.

During her visit, Aristotelous met with Andreas, 97, and Milia Christofi, 85, the last remaining Greek Cypriot couple residing in the village of Agios Andronikos since 1974. Despite numerous challenges, the couple has never left their home, keeping the village alive with their presence.

This visit aligns with the President of the Republic's policy of a human-centered approach to addressing the needs of the enclaved. Aristotelous emphasized the importance of maintaining direct communication with each of the remaining Greek Cypriots in the occupied villages.

The couple expressed their difficulties to Aristotelous, particularly regarding food supply conditions, prompting her to take immediate steps to address their concerns.

Aristotelous also visited the villages of Rizokarpaso, Agia Triada, Agios Andronikos, and Agios Therissos, accompanied by local community leaders Michalis Mikellis and Stella Fysentzou. She met with residents in their homes, inspected the food distribution points managed by the United Nations, and reassured the enclaved and resettled individuals of continued support.

The visit also included stops at significant religious sites, such as the Apostolos Andreas Monastery and the abandoned churches of Agia Foteini and Agia Triada. At the Apostolos Andreas Monastery, Aristotelous conveyed the President's support and gratitude to Father Zacharias and his wife, who have been maintaining the churches of Karpasia for years.