EU pledges 2.6m euros to support search for missing

THE European Union has pledged 2.6 millon euros to support the work of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP).

A statement issued by the European Commission’s representation office in the island on Tuesday said that the “European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community” continues to provide “assistance to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus and, as part of its efforts, the European Commission has signed a new agreement to continue the EU financed support to the CMP”.

The statement noted this is the “14th delegation agreement between the European Commission and the United Nations Development Programme

providing an addition of 2.6 million euros in support of the work of the CMP for the year 2023”.

It continued: “Since 2006, the European Commission has been the major donor in support of the work of the CMP, with a total contribution of 35.8 million euros, demonstrating the strong commitment of the European Commission to peace building and reconciliation efforts in Cyprus.

“The European Commission supports the work of bicommunal Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot scientific teams involved in all stages of the process as well as awareness raising activities.

“These activities contribute to achieving a better understanding of mutual concerns and foster cooperation between the Cypriot communities.

“Additionally, the CMP humanitarian mandate contributes to providing relief to the families of missing persons constituting a crucial aspect of the overall efforts for reconciliation in the island.

“Since 2006, the remains of 1,028 missing persons have been identified and returned to their families.”