Cyprus problem: Difference between revisions

In 1950, Michael Mouskos, Bishop Makarios of Kition (Larnaca), was elevated to Archbishop [[Makarios III]] of Cyprus. In his inaugural speech, he vowed not to rest until union with "mother Greece" had been achieved.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} In [[Athens]], ''enosis'' was a common topic of conversation, and as a Cypriot native, Colonel [[George Grivas]], was becoming known for his strong views on the subject. In anticipation of an armed struggle to achieve ''enosis'', Grivas visited Cyprus in July 1951. He discussed his ideas with Makarios but was disappointed by the archbishop's contrasting opinion as he proposed a political struggle rather than an armed revolution against the British. From the beginning, and throughout their relationship, Grivas resented having to share leadership with the archbishop. Makarios, concerned about Grivas's extremism from their very first meeting, preferred to continue diplomatic efforts, particularly efforts to get the [[United Nations]] involved. The feelings of uneasiness that arose between them never dissipated. In the end, the two became enemies. In the meantime, in August [Papagos Government] 1954, Greece's UN representative formally requested that self-determination for the people of Cyprus be included on the agenda of the [[UN General Assembly|General Assembly]]'s next session.{{Citation needed|date=March 2007}} Turkey rejected the idea of the union of Cyprus and Greece. Turkish Cypriot community opposed Greek Cypriot ''enosis'' movement, as under British rule the Turkish Cypriot minority status and identity were protected. Turkish Cypriot identification with Turkey had grown stronger in response to overt Greek nationalism of Greek Cypriots, and after 1954 the Turkish government had become increasingly involved. In the late summer and early autumn of 1954, the Cyprus problem intensified. On Cyprus the colonial government threatened publishers of seditious literature with up to two years imprisonment.<ref name="TPP1">{{cite news|title=Cypriots on spot|url=http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=XqkvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-U0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=4511,2773672&dq=sedition+5+years+in+prison+cyprus&hl=en|accessdate=17 June 2010|newspaper=The Pittsburgh Press|date=24 November 1956|page=4}}</ref> In December the [[UN General Assembly]] announced the decision "not to consider the problem further for the time being, because it does not appear appropriate to adopt a resolution on the question of Cyprus." Reaction to the setback at the [[UN]] was immediate and violent, resulting in the worst rioting in Cyprus since 1931.{{Citation needed|date=March 2007}}