Speech by the G/C Member of the CMP, Mr N. Nestoros, at the inauguration of the exhibition “Beneath the Carob Trees”, NY, 31 May
Today is a very special day for the CMP and for me. I am here, in the heart of the United Nations, to pay the minimum tribute to the missing people of our island, Cyprus, through this humble ceremony. This is certainly unique and honorary. I consider the book that we are presenting today also to be unique. It approaches this longstanding tragedy, which we are trying to soothe, from another angle, not very familiar to the wider public. For decades, the loved ones of the missing have been hoping that they were alive and well somewhere. Over the years various rumours had been circulating, bringing more hope to these poor souls.
Documented evidence reflects the work done by the CMP over a ten-year period and encapsulates the meaning of words and images of the harsh truth about the lives of the unjustly perished in Cyprus. Two thousand Greek and Turkish Cypriots perished as a result of different tragic events, which is a huge number of people for an island with such small population. Mothers, fathers, brothers, waited anxiously over the years for a knock on the door and the return of their missing loved one. Unfortunately, the answer that we at the CMP have to give them is not the one that they desired.
However, this tragic reality also has another effect which has a distinct value for the relatives of the missing. They are able to come to terms with the fate of their loved one and it does eventually bring closure. With great strength but in great sadness they are able to put the past behind them and move on.
Hatred and nationalism cause destruction. Moderation and solidarity are elements that unite peoples and should be a challenge to all of us if we really want a better tomorrow for future generations.
I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues at the CMP, whose patient and valuable work has been carried out with so much skill, sensitivity and dedication. It is thanks to their patience and professionalism, that we are succeeding in our mission.
Thank you for coming.
