Cyprus marks 43rd anniversary since Greek Coup

Today July 15, 2017 marks exactly 43 years ago when a bloody coup was carried out in Cyprus led by the Greek junta and its Greek Cypriot supporters in order to achieve ENOSIS-unification of Cyprus with Greece.

According to Turkish Cypriot media outlet, BRT, Cyprus was drenched in bloodshed on that faithful day, when the organizers of the coup set into motion the notorious Akritas Plan, a plan to annihilate all Turkish existence on the island and establish a Hellenic republic in Cyprus.

The report by BRT say, it was on the 15th of July 1974 when Nicos Sampson, known for his active role in the murder of hundreds of Turkish Cypriots since the 1950s, overthrew the President of the 1960 Cyprus Republic Archbishop Makarios with the support of the Greek military Junta.

Hundreds of Greek Cypriot supporters of Makarios were also killed during the coup d’état carried out by the Greek Junta.

Makarios, who succeeded in escaping the coup, addressed the UN Security Council on the 19th of July, where he accused Greece of carrying out mass killings and warned Turkish Cypriots about the similar dangers awaiting them.

As the situation worsened on the island, Turkey, as one of the three guarantor powers in Cyprus, intervened, (like the Greek Cypriot could say invade) to fulfill its obligations falling under the treaties of Alliance and Guarantees.

5 days later on July 20th, Turkey launched the Peace Operation (invasion) with the aim of protecting the lives and properties of Turkish Cypriots.

The Turkish Peace Operation was later followed by the resignation of the Greek government and the withdrawal of Nicos Sampson.

A national alliance government was established in Greece and Sampson in Cyprus was replaced by Glafkos Klerides- who was the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time.

The 1974 Turkish Peace Operation (invasion) was not only successful in protecting the lives and liberty of Turkish Cypriots but also the lives of Greek Cypriots.

Meanwhile the day was commemorated in South Cyprus with a church service for those killed during the coup held at Saint Constantinos and Eleni Church in Nicosia, which was attended by President Nicos Anastasiades and other officials.

This day is a day of shame, a black page in our history, a day of betrayal by the Athens military junta, which undoubtedly left its scars until today with the division of our country, Anastasiades said.

Wreaths were laid at the graves of those killed defending the Republic against the Athens-backed coup. reports Cyprus Mail.

Culled from BRT, Cyprus Mail.