FACT1
Cyprus joined the EU as a divided island when Greek Cypriots in the South rejected the UN reunification plan in twin referenda in 2004 even though the Turkish Cypriots in the North overwhelmingly supported it.
FACT2
The promise made by EU foreign ministers before the referenda to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots and establish direct trade with North Cyprus remains unfulfilled.
FACT3
Gaining independence from the UK in 1960, Cyprus became a bi-communal Republic “Partnership” where Greek and Turkish Cypriot constituent communities would share power guaranteed by the UK, Turkey and Greece.
FACT4
However, reluctant to share power and pursuing a policy of Enosis (Union) with Greece, Greek Cypriots soon expelled Turkish Cypriots from power and terrorized and ghettoized them.
FACT5
Decades long armed attacks on the defenseless Turkish Cypriots culminated in 1974 when an Athens-backed Greek Cypriot military coup on the island led to Turkey's military intervention. Britain at the time had a hung parliament and was unable to interfere, and the third guarantor, Greece, was actively encouraging the coup. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots agreed that a Turkish guarantee force was a necessary to remain on the island until a UN Resolution of the Cyprus problem is found, particularly after finding so many deaths of its Turkish Cypriot “Citizens” from 1963- 1974.
FACT6
Although the Republic of Cyprus as described in the 1959 agreements is no longer there, Greek Cypriots continue to enjoy this title and international recognition while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a fully democratic government representing Turkish Cypriots, still suffers under an unfair political and economic blockade.