Clerides and Denktash have reached an historic agreement

Greek and Turkish Cypriots Reach Historic Deal on Missing Persons

The issue of missing persons has been a major source of tensions between the two communities. The agreement was reached after a second meeting this week in Nicosia between the President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides, and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

UN Envoy Gustave Feissel said the agreement recognised "the right of those families whose missing loved ones are proved to be dead to have to the best extent possible their remains for proper burial in line with their religious traditions and practices."

The agreement will allow for the simultaneous opening of mass graves on either side which are believed to contain the bodies of missing persons.

A portrait of one of the missing

Greek Cypriots say that 1,619 of their fellow citizens have been missing since the 1974 invasion. And 803 Turks are also said to be missing as a result of inter-communal clashes during the 1960s.

Both President Clerides and Mr Denktash appeared relaxed as they stood alongside Mr Feissel. The two leaders shook hands.

President Clerides and Mr Denktash also indicated their willingness to take part in further meetings. The Nicosia talks are held in between UN-sponsored negotiations to find an overall solution to the question of Cyprus.