Efforts to identify missing 1974 Greek soldiers in Cyprus continue

On October 22, 2026, Greek Deputy Minister of National Defense Thanasis Davakis and Cyprus Presidential Commissioner Marios Hartsiotis visited Argos Orestiko, Greece, to meet with the family of Colonel Konstantinos Kentras. Kentras has been missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, during which he served with the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK).

The primary purpose of the visit was to collect final genetic samples needed for DNA identification. Commissioner Hartsiotis reported that this visit successfully concluded the collection of DNA samples from the last 11 families who had previously declined to provide them. This process is critical because authorities currently possess approximately 30 to 35 sets of remains belonging to Greek soldiers, including those from ELDYK, which have remained unidentified for decades.

Authorities describe the identification of the 37 remaining missing Greek nationals as a national duty and a top humanitarian priority. The ongoing cooperation between the Greek and Cypriot governments aims to resolve the status of all individuals still listed as missing from the conflict. No further court dates or specific investigations were mentioned, but the acquisition of these final DNA samples is a significant step toward completing the identification process.