Cyprus gained its independence from the U.K. in 1960 after an anti-British campain by the Greek Cypriot EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) a guerrilla group which desired political union with Greece (or enosis). Archbishop Makarios, a charismatic religious and political leader was elected president.
Shortly after the founding of the republic serious differences arose between the two communities about the implementation and interpretation of the constitution. The Greek Cypriots argued that the complex mechanisms introduced to protect Turkish Cypriot interests were obstacles to efficient government. In November 1963 President Makarios advanced a series of constitutional amendments designed to elminate some of these special provisions. The Turkish Cypriots opposed such changes. The confrontation prompted widespread intercommunal fighting in December 1963 after which Turkish Cypriot participation in the central government ceased. UN peacekeepers were deployed on the island in 1964. Following another outbreak of intercommunal violence in 1967-68 a Turkish Cypriot provisional administration was formed.
In July 1974 the military junta in Athens sponsored a coup led by extremist Greek Cypriots hostile to Makarios for his alleged pro-communist leanings and for his perceived abandonment of enosis. Turkey citing the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee intervened militarily to protect Turkish Cypriots.
So, i hope this makes it clear to everyone...and please, let's take note of the facts...
taken from World66.Com, a travel site which includes the histories of nearly all the countries and regions of the world.
