'Waiting for Ulysses' : the Committee for Missing Persons

Abstract

The case of missing persons in Cyprus constitutes one of the most tragic aspects of the recent history of Cyprus, and one which is both a symptom and a cause of relations of hostility between the two groups. Like most aspects of the 'Cyprus Problem', to which it contributes, as well as derives its intractability, the case of the missing have been used as a mirror of the barbarism of the 'other', a means whereby each side has constructed an image of victimhood for dubious propaganda purposes, and a justification of the maintenance of an unyielding stance in negotiations. While it is a 'humanitarian issue', the way it has been dealt with is both an indication that humanitarian issues are easily 'politicized' and politicizable, and an indication that the 'nature' of humanitarian issues is itself deeply cultural through its contentiousness. Caught in between are the families of the missing, doubly victims of events beyond their control: by losing their loved ones, and by not being adequately represented by their politicians who have to juggle with other more pressing items on their agendas. Yet at the same time the families are not totally powerless. They are also semi-voluntarily engaged actors on the political stages of both communities. Finally, there is the UN, the fourth 'actor' in the scenario.