Nicosia, 28th July 2023 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cyprus, commends the landmark joint visit of the two Cypriot leaders, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and Mr. Ersin Tatar to the Anthropological Laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP). The European Union is the main donor for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, with a total contribution of approximately €36 million to date. 
Mr. Jakhongir Khaydarov, UNDP Cyprus Head of Office, expressed his appreciation for the momentous visit, stating, "We extend our sincere appreciation to the two leaders Mr Christodoulides and Mr. Tatar for their joint commitment to addressing the issue of missing persons. Their visit to the Anthropological Laboratory sends a powerful message of unity, hope, and reconciliation for the people of Cyprus. UNDP Cyprus with the generous support of the EU, is honoured to play a part in the CMP project, and we will continue to support initiatives that promote peace and understanding between the communities on the island."
UNDP has been a steadfast partner in supporting the CMP's efforts to build trust, confidence, and dialogue between the communities. The joint visit of the leaders is an encouraging step in this direction, and UNDP reaffirms its commitment to the people of Cyprus as they continue their journey towards lasting peace and stability.
The CMP project on the exhumation, identification, and return of remains of missing persons is a bi-communal undertaking, whereby the process is carried out by a bi-communal team of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot experts. CMP has three Members, two appointed respectively by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities and a third Member selected by the International Committee of the Red Cross and appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General.
UNDP, having had substantive experience in reconciliation programmes around the world and a long presence on the island, has been entrusted by several donors to support the CMP members with the management of CMP operations. 

For further information and media enquiries please contact UNDP at: 

Gulten Inan, Communications Assistant
E-mail: gulten.inan@undp.org
Tel: +357 99 061560/+905488684603 

Eleni Panayiotou, Communications Associate
E-mail: eleni.panayiotou@undp.org
Tel: +35799368879/+905488684602 

European Union 

The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EU body of laws (also referred to as acquis communautaire).

For more information please visit: 
Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community (europa.eu)

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United Nations Development Programme

UNDP aims to contribute and support the peace-building process in Cyprus and to enhance 
cooperation between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriot by implementing a range of 
confidence building measures.

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