es.euronews.com
Cyprus: Ongoing Excavation for Missing Persons in Galatea
A bicommunal team, including the ICMP and ICRC, is excavating near a lake in Galatea, Cyprus, searching for eight missing Greek Cypriots who disappeared after 1974.
- What challenges are faced during this excavation process?
- The excavation faces challenges due to the lake's seasonal changes – it expands significantly during rainy seasons, limiting excavation time. The vast, undeveloped area also requires careful planning and reliance on prior excavation data from 2006 and 2015 to guide the search.
- What is the broader significance of this ongoing search effort?
- This search is part of a larger effort to locate and identify missing persons from the 1974 conflict in Cyprus. The discovery and identification of remains contribute to reconciliation efforts and provide closure for families of the missing. The cooperation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in this bicommunal effort underscores its importance for healing and peacebuilding in Cyprus.
- What is the main focus of the current excavation in Galatea, Cyprus?
- The excavation focuses on locating the remains of eight Greek Cypriots missing since 1974. Two mass graves were previously found in the area in 2006 and 2015, yielding the remains of 18 individuals. The current search is based on witness testimony indicating additional bodies near a lake that was dry in the summer of 1974.
Cognitive Concepts
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "invasors" and "perpetrators" are used to describe the Turkish side, but this reflects the perspective of the interviewed individuals and the overall historical context. No loaded language or inflammatory terms are employed.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the current excavation efforts and does not delve into broader political aspects of the Cyprus conflict. While this limits the scope, it does not appear to mislead the reader, given the article's clear focus on the humanitarian search effort. Potential omissions regarding the full history of the conflict could be considered, but are not within the scope of this particular report.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article directly addresses the issue of missing persons resulting from past conflict in Cyprus. The ongoing excavation efforts by the ICMP and the ICRC demonstrate a commitment to uncovering the truth, ensuring justice, and fostering reconciliation. Identifying and returning the remains of missing persons is a crucial step in addressing past injustices and promoting peace and reconciliation in the region. The bicommunal nature of the excavation team also highlights efforts towards building partnerships for peace.