European Parliament representative works on missing person issues in Cyprus

European parliamentarian Ewa Klamt plans to report to the European Parliament on her experience in Cyprus working with the families of Greek Cypriot missing persons, the Cyprus Embassy in Washington, D.C. reported on Thursday.

The missing persons in question became prisoners of the Turkish military during Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus; their bodies remain both lost and unidentified.

“Behind each number, there is a family, a name, a friend, it is still very hard for the families, as identification and return of remains opens up wounds again for them. I am very grateful to the families who have accepted to see me during my short visit to Cyprus,” Klamt said, noting that this was a “very emotional” encounter for her.

Klamt will now look to educate members of Parliament on the issue, while working to expedite funding requests in order to secure more scientists and equipment to identify remains.

“Identification and return of remains, which is what is happening now, is an important first step,” she said.

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Resolution on Cyprus reunification approved by Foreign Affairs Committee

Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), previously introduced a resolution in support of the implementation of a United Nations-brokered agreement toward the reunification of Cyprus. The House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday unanimously passed the measure, The Hellenic News of America reported.

“On July 8, 2006, Republic of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to a UN-sponsored framework establishing a set of principles for the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to find common ground and ensure a lasting peace and eventual reunification,” the article says.

“The Committee has acted decisively today to demonstrate its support for a constructive and transparent process toward a reunification of Cyprus,” Bilirakis said. “The implementation of the July 8 Agreement would make it possible for a Cyprus that is unified under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots.”

According to the article: “H. Res. 405 acknowledges the key terms of the July 8, 2006 agreement, particularly the formation of a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with territory allocated to the Greek and Turkish communities within a united Cyprus.”

“More than 33 years after the division of Cyprus, it is important that both sides now move forward on a dialogue that can pave the way for a more sustainable and lasting peace,” Bilirakis said. “I urge Speaker Pelosi to move this important resolution before the full House for a vote. It is now time for this Congress to act in expressing its support for the unification of Cyprus.”