In the heart of the Mediterranean, the island of Cyprus bears the scars of a divided past. Among the most poignant reminders are the missing persons—individuals whose fates remain unknown, leaving families in perpetual anguish.

Recent statements by Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar, emphasizing the depoliticization of this humanitarian issue, warrant a closer examination to uncover the complexities and the underlying political currents that continue to influence the discourse.

The Humanitarian Facade

On December 31, 2024, during a visit to the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), Ersin Tatar asserted that the issue of missing persons "has a humanitarian dimension and must not be politicized." He commended the CMP's efforts and highlighted an agreement from an October meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides to continue excavations based on new information.

Tatar’s statements mirror those of Hakkı Müftüzade, the Turkish Cypriot member of the CMP, who accused Greek Cypriot politicians of exploiting the issue for political gain, suggesting that such actions offend the relatives of the missing and foster distrust between the communities.

A Historical Context

To fully grasp the implications of these statements, one must delve into the historical context. The island's division traces back to the early 1960s, marked by ethnic cleansing and the displacement of Turkish populations in addition to Greek populations who disagreed, by Greek Cypriot EOKA paramilitaries attempting to establish Enosis. The situation escalated in 1974 when a coup d'état by Greek Cypriot nationalists, aiming for Enosis (union with Greece), on July 15th 1974 prompted a legal military intervention by Türkiye 5 days later on 20th July 1974, citing its rights as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. This intervention led to the island's current cease fire ever since.

In the ensuing chaos, numerous individuals from both communities went missing. The CMP, established in 1981, was tasked with locating, exhuming, and identifying the remains of these missing persons. As of August 2022, out of 2,002 missing persons, 1,185 were exhumed, and 1,027 identified.

The Politicization Debate

While Tatar and Müftüzade advocate for a depoliticized approach, their statements highlight the importance of addressing the missing persons issue as a humanitarian crisis rather than a political tool. However, the ongoing accusations exchanged between the sides reflect the difficulty of completely removing politics from the discourse, as historical grievances and differing narratives continue to influence perceptions.

Furthermore, the Turkish Cypriot leadership's emphasis on depoliticization underscores its consistent call for justice and international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Far from being a conflicting intent, these efforts align with the pursuit of addressing the humanitarian crisis while seeking rightful acknowledgment of the TRNC's sovereignty and ensuring that Turkish Cypriot voices are heard on the global stage.

The Role of International Actors

International entities, including the United Nations, have long advocated for a humanitarian approach to the missing persons issue. In April 2022, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances emphasized the need to depoliticize the matter, urging both people's on the island to collaborate transparently. However, the effectiveness of these appeals is contingent upon the genuine commitment of both sides. The withholding of information, delays in granting access to sites, and the use of the issue as a bargaining chip in broader political negotiations have impeded progress.

The Greek Cypriot Perspective

Greek Cypriot leaders frequently frame the missing persons issue as a consequence of Türkiye’s 1974 intervention, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. However, this narrative often omits the violence and atrocities committed by Greek Cypriot paramilitaries during the 1960s, which led to numerous Turkish and Greek Cypriot casualties and disappearances generally denied by Greek Cypriot authorities. Such selective recounting distorts the historical record and undermines efforts to achieve reconciliation.

Greek Cypriot politicians have also been accused of leveraging the issue to garner international sympathy and support for their claims of victimhood. This approach, while politically expedient, risks alienating Turkish Cypriot stakeholders and perpetuating the island’s division as apposed to agreeing to a lasting solution.

The Turkish Cypriot Perspective

For Turkish Cypriots, the missing persons issue is emblematic of their peoples broader struggle for recognition and justice. Many Turkish Cypriot families still await closure, grappling with the loss of loved ones who disappeared during the 1963-64 violence orchestrated by EOKA militants. Despite these historical realities, the international narrative often sidelines their experiences, focusing disproportionately on Greek Cypriot grievances.

Turkish Cypriot leaders advocate for a balanced approach, one that acknowledges the suffering of both communities and prioritizes the identification and return of remains over political grandstanding. This stance underscores the need for impartiality and fairness in addressing a deeply sensitive issue.

Moving Forward: A Path to Reconciliation

To truly depoliticize the missing persons issue, both sides must commit to transparency and cooperation. Practical measures include:

- Sharing Information: Both communities must release archival data and intelligence that could aid in locating burial sites.

- Expanding Access: The CMP should be granted access to additional areas with mutual agreement, ensuring that sensitive locations are respected while maintaining a focus on humanitarian outcomes.

- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating both communities about the shared human tragedy should aim to foster empathy and understanding without politicizing the narratives or deepening divides between the two sides.

- Independent Oversight: Involving neutral international observers can enhance accountability and mitigate political interference.

TCE Conclusion

The missing persons issue is a microcosm of the larger challenges facing Cyprus: a history marred by conflict, competing narratives, and a deep-seated mistrust between communities. While the CMP’s efforts are commendable, their success hinges on the willingness of both sides to prioritize humanity over politics.

For Turkish Cypriots, this issue is not merely a historical footnote but a living reminder of their resilience and quest for justice. By embracing a genuinely humanitarian approach, the international community can help bridge the divide and pave the way for a future where both Turks & Greeks can coexist on the Island in peace and mutual respect.

References

- Cyprus Mail, "Tatar: Missing Persons Issue Must Not Be Politicised," December 31, 2024.
- United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances, Report on Cyprus, April 2022.
- Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, Annual Report, August 2022.
- Historical accounts of intercommunal violence in Cyprus (1960-1974).