Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas on Tuesday delivered a speech at the 41st Marathon of Love for Missing Persons, expressing “deep emotion and utmost respect” and reaffirming the state’s support for the families of the missing.
Marathon of Love and anniversary reference
Palmas described the event as “a resounding message of responsibility, humanity and historical awareness”. He said this year marks 52 years since the “black anniversary” of the 1974 Turkish invasion, which he said “left an indelible mark on the history of the Republic of Cyprus and shaped the country’s modern course”.
Impact of 1974 events
He said the events of July and August 1974 left “a deep wound” that continues to affect the lives and daily reality of thousands. He described the consequences of the invasion as “severe and multifaceted”, stating that “a large part of our homeland remains under Turkish occupation”, while “hundreds lost their lives and tens of thousands were displaced from their ancestral homes, forced to abandon their properties”.
Missing persons as a humanitarian issue
Palmas placed particular emphasis on missing persons, describing it as a longstanding humanitarian concern. He said that beginning in the 1960s during intercommunal conflict and continuing through the events of 1974, hundreds were recorded as missing, and that their fate remains unknown, leaving families with uncertainty about what happened to their loved ones.
Call for international cooperation
He said the issue is “primarily a humanitarian and moral matter”, linked to human dignity and the right of every family to know the truth. He also called on the international community to “encourage cooperation among all parties involved” so that answers can be provided, adding that establishing the fate of the missing is an act of justice towards their families and promotes respect for human dignity.
What steps do you think the international community should take to encourage cooperation on resolving missing persons cases?
