UN questions Greek Cypriots on missing Turkish Cypriots

Ersan said, "There are 502 Turkish Cypriots who went missing between the years of 1963-74, and most of them were children. There are many issues which need to be addressed and it is very important for us to participate in the conference and express our problems."

Renda said, "None of the perpetrators in the Greek Cypriot side who attacked Turkish people has been captured."

Regarding questioning by the committee in Geneva on Thursday for nearly two hours over the extent of the Greek Cypriot administration's compliance with the Convention Against Torture, Renda said, "Rapporteurs asked Greek Cypriots on Thursday whether they reported any of the numerous attacks against Turks in the Greek Cypriot side."

"We want the committee to enforce Greek Cypriots to launch an investigation to find the perpetrators of our missing people," Renda added. "We claim compensation from Greek Cypriot for the families of missing people."

As for their expectations from the committee, Renda said, "We want a concrete decision from the committee, and to see a file for our demands opened." 

Noting discrimination from Greek Cypriots, Renda said people who were born in Turkey cannot cross to the Greek side. Greek officials tell them to go to Ankara first, get a visa and go to Athens to fly to the Greek Cypriot side.

Indicating that they are also issues regarding religious freedom, Rena said Turkish people are not able to cross the border to pray in mosques in the Greek Cypriot side. 

Greek Cypriots will reply to questioning during a second day of UN committee hearing on Friday, and a report will be published in following weeks.

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