Portugal expresses support towards Cyprus for Cyprus problem and missing persons
CNA - CYPRUS/Nicosia 20/01/2021
The Ambassador of Portugal in Nicosia has expressed her country`s support towards Cyprus as regards the Cyprus problem, as well as her willingness to offer any assistance possible for the solution of the humanitarian issue of the missing persons.
In a meeting she held on Wednesday with Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou, Maria Manuela Freitas Bairos, whose country currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, underlined her country`s support towards Cyprus as regards the Cyprus problem and its cooperation in matters of the Diaspora. She also expressed her willingness to offer any possible assistance to help resolve the humanitarian problem of the missing persons.
According to an official press release, the Presidential Commissioner expressed Cyprus` gratitude for the support and cooperation between the two countries, and noted the long-standing close and friendly relations between the governments of the two EU states.
Referring to the issue of the missing persons, he noted the dramatic reduction in the location of remains in the occupied territories of Cyprus and the problems arising from the negative attitude of Turkey, which occupies 37% of Cyprus` territory since 1974.
Photiou asked for Portugal`s assistance, so that the EU takes initiatives to ensure the sincere cooperation of Ankara in resolving this humanitarian issue.
He thanked the EU for its assistance so far especially as regards its financial support for the Committee on Missing Persons.
During their meeting they also discussed about issues regarding the diaspora and the possibility of organising an Informal Ministerial Meeting on diaspora issues.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.
A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, upon agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning the remains of missing persons to their relatives.
CNA/AAR/AGK/2021
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
