CMP Press Release – 29 May 2019
Release Date: May 29, 2012
PRESS RELEASE
(Nicosia, 29 May 2012) – The UNDP, on behalf of the CMP, has concluded the tender for a genetic laboratory in which several renowned genetic laboratories from around the world competed for the contract in accordance with strict UNDP rules and regulations. The UNDP is now in the process of finalising the contract with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).
Mindful of the long-lasting anguish of the relatives of those who went missing in 1963-64 and 1974, the CMP takes a particular care that the entire identification process of its Project on the Exhumation, Identification and Return of Remains of Missing Persons is in accordance with the internationally recognised best scientific practices.
The CMP wishes to inform the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot families of missing persons that it is taking every precaution to ensure that the Project will carry on with the highest possible quality standards and without undue delays. The Greek Cypriots’ Family Reference Sample Database is intended to be in the custody of the leadership of the Greek Cypriot community and the Turkish Cypriots’ Family Reference Sample Database in the custody of the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community respectively. The remains of the missing persons will continue to be kept at the CMP Anthropological Laboratory in Nicosia, while ICMP will receive only samples that are necessary for DNA testing. The final identifications will be done in Cyprus, by a bi-communal team of geneticists.
At this time, the CMP wishes to express its gratitude to the representatives of the families and relatives of missing persons for their close cooperation and support. It also likes to acknowledge the contribution to the CMP Project by the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING) and to thank its staff for its cooperation with the CMP.