Almost a Regatta – first hand story of the 1974 Turkish Intervention

In 1970 Geoff and Eileen Brierley moved permanently to Lapithos, now Lapta in Cyprus. For years Geoff had held a prestigious position as a bank manager in the heart of London but disillusioned with the attitudes and practices of the banking industry, even then, he decided that he’d had enough. He took early retirement and he and Eileen looked around for where they might go. It would be somewhere abroad but, if possible, it needed to be a sterling area. They tried to get over to Malta but couldn’t find a convenient flight. This was a time when the package holiday was just beginning to ‘take off’. By chance they found a two week holiday, flight and accommodation, to Cyprus, staying at the Dome Hotel, Kyrenia. The Dome in those days was quite the place to stay. They were able to hire a car and trundled around loving every day until they found the house in Lapta. Built in 1960 it had remained unsold, without power, water, windows or doors. It was just a concrete box but with a stunning view of the land running down to the Med and a backdrop of the mountains behind it. Without hesitation they arranged to buy it before they returned to UK. Over the next year Geoff organised everything they would need for their new home and by the end of 1970 all was complete. In 1971 he even bought a boat in the UK, a 34’ yacht called ‘Merienda’ and sailed it virtually single handed from the south coast of England all the way to Kyrenia Harbour from where he often sailed off with other ex-pats. They were now members of a group of highly individual characters who were fondly known as the ‘Ancient Brits’, folk who had worked and travelled the world over and had settled in Cyprus. For both Geoff and Eileen the next few years were to be blissful.

July 20th 1974 – 5.45am, Lapithos, Cyprus.

Eileen Brierley always enjoyed her early morning tea on the balcony of the house overlooking the Mediterranean, sitting comfortably on a folding aluminium chair and watching the sun slowly rise. As the air grew even warmer around her it promised to be another glorious day. The sea was calm, the air still and after a few minutes as she looked out across the water she noticed a line of black dots had appeared along the horizon. The ‘dots’ grew larger until she could just make out what appeared to be the shapes of boats and ships.

‘Oh,’ she thought, sitting up. ‘It must be a regatta. What fun!’

What she was witnessing was not a regatta. It was the first wave of the Turkish Navy carrying troops who would soon land on the beaches. The Intervention had begun.

Geoff, her husband, was in the UK at the time, visiting his daughter Wendy, a professional actress, who was performing during a summer season in Keswick in the Lake District.

After the show they found each other in the bar of the theatre, Geoff ordered drinks for them and then they both stood in shock as the news from Cyprus was being broadcast via the radio behind the bar.

Geoff was desperate to get back to his wife and home, not knowing what might have happened. Back in ’74 they didn’t have a phone at the house in Lapithos, nor did other ex-pats close by and mobiles didn’t exist then, so there was no way of contacting Eileen. He arrived in London the following day going straight to the Foreign Office for any information. They could tell him no more than he knew although they assured him they were in touch with the British High Commission in Nicosia and would do all they could to track Eileen down. All commercial flights to the island had been cancelled and it took him another agonising two weeks, still with no word of Eileen, before he was able to join a RAF transport to Larnaca. His previous rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the TA during WW2 helped him here. Once there he eventually managed to complete the journey to Nicosia and the British High Commission, long before the road network that now exists, via a mixture of lifts, which were few and far between and even a donkey powered hay cart.

Over that same two weeks Eileen had survived. She had quickly realised that what she thought was a ‘regatta’ was a full military force. Jet aircraft had flown in above the ships, strafing the ground as they flew. The sound of small arms and heavier gunfire echoed up to her as Turkish troops disembarked along the shore and found some resistance from a startled community. Yet she stayed on.

Over the next few days the fighting grew closer. Lapithos had been primarily a Greek village and many of the citizens there were members of or pro-EOKA. Everyone, except a few of the British ex-pats, retreated over the mountains and round to Morphou, now Guzelyurt, to escape the relentless advance of the Turkish forces. Power and water had been cut, making life even more difficult. The British Aircraft Carrier Hermes had by now anchored off Kyrenia to assist all British citizens to escape from the conflict. Officers from the Hermes made their hazardous way as best they could up through all the villages to find British citizens who did not know the Hermes was waiting. Someone from the ship did find Eileen and insisted that she should come with him. She refused point blank, insisting that this was her home and she would not leave no matter what happened. She found a Union Jack, which Geoff had insisted bringing with them when they had first arrived, and she hung this out of one the upstairs windows, hoping to underline the house was owned by a Brit.

Days later, with provisions running out, many refugees having passed through the house as a safe stopping point, Eileen had taken to sleeping on the floor of her bedroom as gunfire in the village grew even closer. A young British woman with a young baby had taken up residence in her bathroom, sheltering in the bath as bullets whistled through the glass windows and doors of the house. One morning, during a lull in the fighting outside, Eileen discovered a bullet hole in the wall just above the pillow on her bed, exactly where she would have been sleeping if she’d used it. That was when she realised it was much too dangerous to stay in the house any longer. In the narrow roads up to the top of the village several bodies were still lying where they had fallen; human, donkeys and dogs. Gathering up a few belongings she made her way down the outside staircase to the ground floor to take the remnants of any food she had left when she heard a sound above. A young Turkish soldier stood at the top of the staircase, brandishing an automatic machine gun. She screamed at him in bold Anglo-Saxon to ‘go away!’ and he did, at high speed!

The young woman and her baby had gone by now. Eileen climbed up the steps from the house to the road and walked along the twisting route to another British couple who lived on the other side of the village and fortunately happened to have a car. They were of the same mind and bundling what they could together they set off to Morphou before it became impossible to move without being shot. After an arduous journey they reached Morphou and found a hotel to stay in, the owners and staff on the point of leaving hurriedly, telling them to help themselves but please to switch the lights off when they left!

Miraculously the phone was still working and Eileen managed to make contact with the British High Commission in Nicosia to be told someone asking for Eileen Brierley had been in contact with them! Two days later they found each other at the BHC but, with nowhere to stay again they moved into the Olympic Hotel in Nicosia only to have a repeat performance of what had happened in Morphou!

With help from the BHC they travelled back to Kyrenia in mid-August. It was very hot and still rather tense but they had to stay with friends as they were not allowed to return permanently to Lapithos. They were able to check the house and tidy the place up but had to return to Kyrenia every day. To their great relief, the house was intact and hadn’t suffered any major damage or looting. There were a few bullet holes but, apart from an empty mortar shell found in the garden years later, it was just as it had been.

Check points and curfews were still being rigidly enforced and the Turkish authorities were systematically checking every house in Lapta and all the other villages for members of EOKA.

They eventually returned to their home in the early part of September and both were adamant that they were going to stay there. Everything had changed except their resolute decision to live in the country they had chosen. Wendy came over the following spring but checkpoints and tension still existed. Over the next few years things gradually improved against all the odds, embargoes and the like as well as misguided attitudes, not only from the Greeks but also the British. Lapta today is much the same as it was and with many subtle improvements.

Sadly, Geoff died in 1985, a young 75 years old, but Eileen stayed on until 2002 when she had to come back to the UK for health reasons. She died in 2004 at the grand old age of 91. I hope they are still remembered by any remaining ‘Ancient Brits’.

We took over the house, our Cyprus home, in 2005, applying ‘TLC’ where it was needed but still ensured retaining a true Cypriot atmosphere

Wendy, our daughter Kate and myself have known Northern Cyprus for well over 30 years and we have seen how well the TRNC has, year by year, steadily improved conditions for everyone apart from the several, private and dubious developments which have appeared. For all that it is still a wonderful place to live.

Should anyone think of taking a holiday, or even taking up residence in this country, a book by Harry Scott Gibbons, the title of which is ‘The Genocide Files’ must be read. It tells the actual truth of the recent, and past, history of this delightful island without any shred of propaganda.

Long Live the TRNC!

 

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69 comments to Almost a Regatta – first hand story of the 1974 Turkish Intervention

  • Polly Marples

    Excellent Ken.

  • AM

    A heart warming tale….

    I am sure it won’t be long before our resident idiot spoils it ?

  • Miltiades

    “Turkish invasion of Cyprus”
    Every single international organization calls it by its real name, only illiterate, low down cheapskate peasants refer to it as an ” intervention” You were born low down peasants and you will expire as such. You are a bunch of degenerates, opportunist hyenas. Had I not lived in the UK for more than half a century perhaps I could have mistaken you lot for English, you are nothing of the sort, just pure illiterate peasants.
    ” This article is about the 1974 Turkish invasion. For the 1570 Ottoman conquest, see Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573). For for the planned Nazi invasion of France with the same operation name, see Operation Attila (World War II).

    Turkish invasion of Cyprus
    Result

    Turkish occupation of 36.2% of Cyprus by the end of the Second Invasion.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
    Formation of the Autonomous Turkish Cypriot Administration, which later evolved into the internationally unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

    568 killed in action (498 TAF, 70 Resistance)
    270 civilians killed
    803 civilians missing (official number in 1974)[12]
    2,000 wounded[13]
    [14][15][16] 4,500–6,000 casualties (military and civilian)[14][15]
    including
    Cyprus 1,273 deaths[17]
    Greece 105 deaths[17]
    1000-1100 missing (as of 2015)[18
    The Turkish invasion of Cyprus[20] launched on 20 July 1974, was a Turkish military invasion of the island country of Cyprus, which was carried out following the 1974 Cypriot coup d’état.

    The coup had been ordered by the military Junta in Greece and staged by the Cypriot National Guard[21][22] in conjunction with EOKA-B. It deposed the Cypriot president Archbishop Makarios III and installed pro-Enosis Nikos Sampson.[23][24] The aim of the coup was the annexation of the island by Greece[25][26][27] and the Hellenic Republic of Cyprus was declared.[28][29]
    More than one quarter of the population of Cyprus was expelled from the occupied northern part of the island where Greek Cypriots constituted 80% of the population. A little over a year later in 1975, there was also a flow of roughly 60,000 Turkish Cypriots from the south to the north after the conflict.[30] The Turkish invasion ended in the partition of Cyprus along the UN-monitored Green Line, which still divides Cyprus, and the formation of a de facto autonomous Turkish Cypriot administration in the north. In 1983 the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared independence, although Turkey is the only country which recognizes it.[31] The international community considers the TRNC’s territory as Turkish-occupied territory of the Republic of Cyprus.[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] The occupation is viewed as illegal under international law, amounting to illegal occupation of European Union territory since Cyprus became its member.”

    ” How life changed for ever when Turkey invaded Cyprus in …

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/…/the-day-family-fled-famagusta-life-changed-tur...

    11 Oct 2014 – But in 1974 Famagusta in Cyprus became a ghost town overnight when its inhabitants fled from the invading Turkish army. Forty years on …

    “Cyprus profile – Overview – BBC News

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17217956

    26 Mar 2015 – Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island which was backed by the …..
    “Cyprus divided: 40 years on, a family recalls how the island …

    http://www.theguardian.com › World › Cyprus

    6 Jul 2014 – The award-winning Observer correspondent who covered the 1974 Turkish invasion returns to the rocky battleground with one Greek Cypriot ….

    SPOT THE WORD INTERVENTION YOU IGNORANT FRICKING PEASANTS !

  • Wallet and Gromit

    Here we go again, who let him out of the bath?

  • Wallet and Gromit

    So why did the Greek Government and the Greek Court of inquiry into the events of July 1974 find Turkeys INTERVENTION legal then?

    Tin hat on, anti shit device activated…

  • Ian Edwards

    Hi Yiannis,

    Great to be talking with you again.

    I just returned to beautiful Cyprus yesterday after a hectic family holiday in TRNC, Istanbul and Greece (I have to say that Athens and Paros were a delight, as were all the people we met there, so unlike the general GC), and driving down into Kyrenia on Freedom Day I saw a Turkish warship anchored nearby.

    “Hullo”, I thought, “another intervention?” But no, my driver said it was conducting inspection tours of the ship for anyone who wanted to have a look at it.

    I guess there are few secrets anymore, and isn’t it great what 40-odd years of peace can do to a place?

    Nice story, Ken, thank you. I’m not sure I go completely along with your view of The Genocide Files though…yes, it is factual, well documented and is therefore not propaganda, but it is also totally one-sided and therefore biassed, making no mention of any Turkish or Taksim-inspired atrocities. It should be read with that in mind.

    Hey Yiannis, it’s a lovely day here in beautiful Esentepe, and my pool is a picture.

    The beer is waiting….

  • Miltiades

    Apart from Turkey and the cheapskates, thats you lot, does any one else refer to the TURKISH INVASION as an ” intervention” ? Ask your selves this question and than come back with some clarity in your comments.
    The Genocide Files were entireley sponsored by Turkey, read the acknowledgements by Gibson, a Greek Cypriot hater just like the rest of you!

  • Ian Edwards

    Yiannis, as I’ve tried to explain to you before, just because the book was sponsored by Turkey doesn’t make its contents automatically wrong. They are all factually correct and well-documented.

    What makes it “wrong” to you is that it contains no mention of Turkish atrocities.

    How do you not get this?

  • Wallet and Gromit

    Why do you assume that everybody hates Greek Cypriots?
    There are good and bad in all societies, it is just that the bad get more publicity and given the circumstances were rightly vilified.

  • Miltiades

    You still have not answered the question. Does any other nation or international organization refer to the Turkish invsion as anything but ?

    I have never disputed or denied the cababilities of extremists to commit the most attrocious crimes, regardless of ethnicity, just take a look at the savages out in Irag/ Syria, the so called ISIS.

    The G/C extremists were no different from the T/C extremists. An almost equal number of victims suffered during the inter- communal strife.

  • AM

    Haha..Milti you are a plank.

    Does it really matter what they call it ?… Lets humour the sad old git with a statement like…Turkey invaded to stop Greece claiming the Island as their own,.. you know the same Greece that was a guarantor power of the island who committed the cardinal sin of invading itself.

    Now back in your box you goon 🙂

  • Miltiades

    Thicko, how many times do I have to tell you, your are too fricking stupid to debate anything, Naffffoff STUPI !

  • Miltiades

    “Cyprus figures prominently in the early history of Christianity, being the first province of Rome to be ruled by a Christian governor, in the first century, and providing a backdrop for stories in the New Testament [3]”

    The fact that Cyprus has been a country rich in resources, especially copper, from which its Greek name was derived…Kypros, is a contributing factor to the early arrival of Christianity to the island in the 1st century. The well established ports that date to the Phoenician Period and the export of a vast number of products placed Cyprus in the middle of trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean from the beginning of commerce. When the Romans arrived, all was in place to expand the trading network throughout their whole empire and beyond.”

    “Therefore, as the New Testament attests, Christians sailed to Cyprus and departed the island with ease. There were boats heading in numerous directions at any port ready to take a person where they wanted to go. After the stoning of Stephen, Chrisitians came to Cyprus. Those from Cyprene and Cyprus went to Antioch to preach. Lazarus caught a boat here; Paul and Barnabas took a boat from Selecucia to Salamis, then left from Paphos for Perga. Barnabas and Mark came in from Turkey, and when Mark left Cyprus, he sailed to Egypt. Roads and commercial routes connected the entire Roman Empire to the benefit of all its inhabitants.”
    Long before Turkey arrived as an occupier in Cyprus. Learn something you ignorant baskets !

  • Polly Marples

    You note he never refers to the conniving fellow Greek Cypriots who have ripped off purchasers both GC’s and foreigners for millions, knowing they would never get their deeds because of the illegal mortgages they colluded with the lawyers and banks to carry out this criminal transaction. He calls those who actually paid for their properties cheapskates. He is a joke and a poor excuses for a Cypriot, or indeed a human being.

    He is regurgitating the same old same old. Silly old duffer.

    Oh by the way Mutley, you don’t get to tell anyone to naff off on this page. Got it?

    f you don’t like it, you know what you can do.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    So why did the Greek Government and the Greek Court of inquiry into the events of July 1974 find Turkeys INTERVENTION legal then?

    Come on “shit 4 brains” answer the question…

  • Miltiades

    “So why did the Greek Government and the Greek Court of inquiry into the events of July 1974 find Turkeys INTERVENTION legal then?”

    You senile old fool, provide a link to the crap you post you ignorant piece of …
    Provide or shut up, Peasant.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    I am surprised that someone of your “renowned” intellect denies knowledge of this well known fact, it will give you something to read in the bath!

    I have kept it simple for you@- http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/history/republic/makarios-speech.html

    It is even from a Greek Cypriot website so it must be true!

    There you go you ignorant piece of…

  • Wallet and Gromit

    I was joking about it being a Greek Cypriot website…

  • Miltiades

    CYPNET.CO.UK !!!!
    A Turkish propaganda site that posts rubbish and fails to produce credible links, a bit like you, you blithering idiot!!

  • Jerry

    Here’s a credible link for the ignorant carpetbaggers to digest, it reveals the real reason for the Turkish invasion.

    (Page 468) Telegram From the Embassy in Cyprus to the Department of State1

    Nicosia, August 25, 1974, 1300Z.

    2622. Subj: Turkish Intentions on Cyprus.

    1. Turkish actions on ground, and statements by officials both here and in Ankara, have reinforced our initial impression that Turkish Army intervened to protect the security of mainland and not assist local com- munity, except insofar as this relates to primary purpose. Best indication this regard is total write off of enclaves located in southern half of island. Despite repeated radio requests for aid, so far as we aware, Turks made no effort reinforce or resupply these areas. Turk mainland Commander in Larnaca, who exfiltrated in civilian dress via Dhekelia, reportedly told British that his instructions were to offer token resistance before surren- dering. Said he had ample ammo and weapons to have continued fight for extended period. (This info, which contradicts accounts put out by Turk Cypriot leaders, largely confirmed by UNFICYP observation.)

    2. Thus, while Turks had force to occupy entire island, and di- vide it up as they wished, they carefully limited operation to grabbing. sufficient territory to insure that they would be in predominant posi- tion to dictate future status of an independent Cyprus. As we read their intentions, Turkey wants a federal (confederal) state and has little or no interest in creation of an independent Turk Cypriot mini-state or move towards double enosis.

    3. Either of latter two courses would run contrary to basic reason for intervention since, by implication, they would open the door to in- troduction of substantial Greek mainland forces onto island. This would place Turkey in position of having southern ports (and heart- land cities) again endangered or of going to war to take entire island, destroying island’s quasi-independence, and facing prospect of pro- tracted guerilla struggle.

    http://2001-2009.state.gov/documents/organization/96606.pdf

  • Wallet and Gromit

    Look it up you insulting ignorant twat it really is true!
    You have the date and case number or are you too stupid?
    Why don’t you like the truth or is it just when it goes against all you want to believe in?
    Father Christmas isn’t a real person, sorry to burst another of your bubbles…
    Maybe the tooth fairy will visit tonight…

  • Wallet and Gromit

    Jerry, the analysis is most probably true, we all know that Turkey’s fear was the Greek Military control of Cypriot ports facing it’s southern coast, it still is.

  • Miltiades

    http://www.cypnet.co.uk
    The senile old fools …bible or rather koran concerning Cyprus.
    If you lot had just one singular brain cell you wouldnt be in the occupied parts of Cyprus.

    English you most certainle ARE NOT! Bloody gypsies more likely.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    You obviously don’t like the truth do you?
    As for Cypnet, I had never been on there before, another of your theories that’s wrong again.
    Athens court decision no. 2658/79 23 March 1979, go on be brave and Google it.
    While I’m here, would you buy some lucky heather or clothes pegs from me…

  • Ian Edwards

    Jerry, I reckon that analysis is pretty close to actuality, your spin of “the real reason” for the invasion notwithstanding.

    1. Turkey intervened (I’ll grant you invaded if you wish) to protect the security of the mainland, AND ALSO to assist the local community. To use the “writing off” of the enclaves as a reason for claiming Turkey was ONLY interested in her security is clearly not correct. Why would Turkey wish to preserve the enclaves, when they planned for all Turkish Cypriots to move into the north? And who would want to keep living in conditions like that when they were no longer forced to by the GCs?

    2. Certainly Turkey could have taken the whole island, and would then have had no need to ensure a predominant position, but although “as we read it” proves nothing, it’s probably correct that Turkey had no intention of creating another Turkish dependency. They may also have been influenced by some powerful suggestions from Britain and the US.

    3. There’s no doubt it was the Greek coupists who gifted Turkey the right to intervene, and it’s impossible to ignore the significant Greek influence right from the early days of the beginning of Enosis. Clearly it would have been a significant advantage for Greece to have a Greek-controlled base sitting on Turkey’s front porch, so the argument of political strategy can be used on both sides.

    And here’s something for you to consider, Jerry. It’s impossible to get accurate statistics, but it’s been claimed by “people in the know” that currently there are as many Greek soldiers stationed in the south as there are Turkish soldiers in the north….

  • Miltiades

    Hey you senile old fool. I have googled it and guess what ! http://www.cypnet.co.uk

    Now may I suggest you stick to reading what your limited mental faculties are cabable of understanding, like THE SUN Newspaper, or is this also aboev your intelligent cababilities!!
    What a naffing Plonker !!

  • AM

    Milti,.. stop splitting hairs.

    All you need to know is its been over 40yrs now and there is nothing any of us has heard that this will not continue.

    You can spout and moan and throw as much abuse as you like but the Brits have no influence on the outcome whatsoever in the Cyprob.

    So my advice would be to speak and lobby your leaders and supporters to get this sorted then you may just may be able to take ownership of your piece of overgrown scrub land that once belonged to your second cousin removed back in the 1920’s.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    You really are a complete asshole, when you can’t argue about the truth all you can do is to try and insult people into silence.
    No wonder Cyprus is a mess if the majority of people think like you…
    When are you starting up Eoka C?

  • Miltiades

    Stick to reading comics you senile old fool.
    Truth from what source you plonker ? A Turkish propaganda site ?
    Can you produce just one credible source ? Of course not, you are as thick as two planks of Turkish wood !!!

    By the way, were you born stupid or have you acquired your senility by interacting with the likes of you !!!

  • Wallet and Gromit

    Contact the Athens court of appeal for a full transcript, you have the case number.
    A brief resume for you:-

    The Turkish intervention was perfectly legal according to the Treaty of Guarantee of 1960. Its legality has even been acknowledged by the Standing Committee of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe in a resolution dated July 29, 1979, and by the Athens Court of Appeals in a decision dated March 21, 1979. Sampson admitted that he was just about to proclaim enosis (union of Cyprus with Greece) when the Turkish intervention occurred (Cyprus Mail, July 17, 1975).

    A father of one of the Greek commandos sent to Cyprus by the Greek junta in July 1974 to fight against Turkish Cypriots and Turkish troops who was shot down by Greek Cypriot National Guard members, filed a case against the Greek government for compensation in December 1976.

    The Court of Athens ruled in favor of the father and ordered reasonable compensation to be paid by the Department of the Treasury of the Greek Ministry of Finance.

    The Ministry of Finance objected to the decision of the Court of Athens and appealed to the Athens Court of Appeals for a cancellation of this order.

    But unexpectedly the Supreme Court decided in favor of the father again and confirmed the decision of the Court of Athens.

    The first paragraphs of the justification of the Athens Court of Appeals explains in detail the 1960 Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, Part IV of the Treaty of Guarantee, the rights of Turkey, the coup d’etat organized by the Greek junta against Makarios and the improper behavior of Gen. Phaedon Gizikis, the head of Greece’s junta government in 1974.

    The very last paragraph clearly highlights the legitimacy of the Turkish intervention on Cyprus.

  • Miltiades

    Im fully conversant with the guarantor rights given to Turkey as well as the UK and Greece under the Zurich Treaty of Guarantee.
    Do you know the meaning of INTERVENTION ? Does it mean occupy a part of a sovereign nation, does it mean changing names of towns and villages, does it mean demographic change ?
    No you stupid moron it does NOT. So shut up you are an idiot !

  • AM

    What is Turkish wood !

  • Miltiades

    You will know it when you see it !!!

  • Wallet and Gromit

    You seem to have the wrong country down as the invader, Turkey probably saved lives on both sides, certainly has for the last 40 odd years…
    As usual you change the nature of all what you have said before and move the goalposts yet again, are you unable to argue the original points raised?
    So let me put the onus on you, prove that the case in the Athens Supreme court of appeal is untrue, they found against the Greek Government and awarded damages, you have the case number and the date so come on then prove it isn’t so.
    You mention demographic changes, but wasn’t that what Makarios and his cohorts set about doing in 1963?
    Well it has happened but not in the way many wanted, life is tough, get over it you lost big-time.
    So some poor Greek soldier sent to Cyprus gets killed by the Greek Cypriot “National Guard” invading Cyprus on behalf of the Greek Government, I doubt he knew what he was fighting for, similar to the US servicemen in Vietnam.
    Would you have been a happy London Cypriot if Sampson and the Greek Junta had succeeded in taking over Cyprus?
    What would the UN have had to say about that turn of events I wonder?
    No doubt the powerful Greek Lobby in the USA would have got that sorted in their favour.
    Did you people really think that Turkey would sit idly by and do nothing?
    Total madness, talk about press the self destruct button!

  • Wallet and Gromit

    For all the wasted lives lost in conflicts around the world:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O7aDnVkpfA

  • Miltiades

    ” You seem to have the wrong country down as the invader”
    The entire world is …..wrong, a semiliterate senile old fool is….right !

    Copy and paste the crap that your …esteemed Turkish propaganda site posts BELEIVING THAT YOU KNOW THE ….FACTS.

    Listen you old fool.
    Cyprus was invaded by the barbarians using the pretext of protecting the T/Cs. They killed thousands, raped, stole and occupied a part of Cyprus expelling more than 160 thousand indigenous Cypriots. Fricking idiots such as you with ulterior financial motives re write history by visiting Turkish propaganda sites and posting crap.

    The European Union has repeatedly stated that it recognizes the Government of the Republic of Cyprus as the sole legitimate government with jurisdiction over the whole territory of the island and its people.

    The Twelve Heads of State and Government reaffirmed during their meeting in Dublin on 25th and 26th June 1990 their support to the efforts of the secretary-general of the United Nations for the promotion of a just and viable solution to the question of Cyprus, a settlement that will safeguard the unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the U.N. The European Parliament has also adopted several resolutions in favour of a just and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem.

    The international community strongly condemned the military invasion and rejected Turkey’s explanations. In Resolution 353 that was adopted on the day of the invasion, the United Nations (UN) Security Council “equally concerned about the necessity to restore the constitutional structure of the Republic of Cyprus” calls upon all States to “respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus” and demands “an immediate end to foreign military intervention in the Republic of Cyprus”. Turkey not only ignored the international community but launched a second offensive in August, 1974 and managed to seize more than one third of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Moreover the Turkish army in order to “protect” the Turkish-Cypriot minority on the island, employed deliberate means of terror and indiscriminate cruelty against the Greek-Cypriots.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    You come up with more crap than anyone else on here, I wouldn’t like your sewerage or toilet paper bill.

    As Basil Fawlty said to the Germans “you started it” no we didn’t was their reply, “yes you did, you invaded Poland”, so look at Cyprus and answer the following, who caused it, who initially invaded who and who deservedly suffered the most, who sorted it out and maintained a fairly constant peace ever since for about 40 years.
    The UN who you seem to hold in such high esteem are and were bystanders as they were too during the troubles in Yugoslavia.
    How is EOKA C coming along?

  • AM

    Hahaha… He spouts all that crap and misses 1 vital point… not one of his so called allies have lifted a finger to expel Turkey not one.

    Now that screams volumes to me.

  • Miltiades

    You still use a pc Stupid, I thought by now you would have sent it back and ask for a f…ool refund on the grounds of being too stupid to use it.

    By the way Stupid, has any nation recognized the pseudo state yet ?? I know, the Senile Old fools such as you have. The nation come to be known as SOFOCKERS !!!

  • AM

    And if I was as bright as you milti…….i would be very concerned.

  • Wallet and Gromit

    How about Turkey,they did?
    How are all those NPL’s in Republic of Corruption ?
    The enemy of my enemy is my friend…

  • Wallet and Gromit

    “You still use a pc Stupid” what do you have then a secretary and a “dicktaphone”?
    If I ever needed to call you I would have a “DICKTAPHONE…!

  • Miltiades

    Turkey recognizes the legality of its own creation, you have to be really thick not to comprehend this, and of course you are as thick as two planks of …Turkish wood !!!

  • AM

    So I will ask again,… What the hell is Turkish Wood ?

    And while we are at it Zorba… I take it you will come on here and give some praise to Turkey for their efforts against ISIL….you have been very critical over the last few weeks perhaps its time to swallow another dollop of humble pie 🙂

  • Miltiades

    Turkeys efforts against the Kurds don’t you mean ?

    Turkey has supported and aided ISIL from day one. They will fool the fools like you but not Miltiades.

    As for Turkish wood I have already told you that you will know it when you see it.

    By the way stupid, Zorba was Greek, Im a Cypriot.

  • Miltiades

    ” Now, Turkish warplanes are directly targeting IS locations — the latest bombing run coming early Saturday for a second straight day. Turkey then opened a second front on Kurdish rebel sites.

    The strikes against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, muddle the U.S.-led fight against IS. The United States has relied on Syrian Kurdish fighters affiliated with the PKK while making gains against IS.”
    http://news.yahoo.com/turkish-jets-hit-targets-syria-kurds-iraq-050807038.html

  • Miltiades

    ” Kurds in the Turkish capital of Istanbul and the Iraqi city of Irbil took to the streets to protest against the Turkish attacks.”
    http://news.sky.com/story/1525162/protests-against-turkish-militant-strikes

  • AM

    The office of the acting prime minister, Ahmet Davutoğlu, said Turkish F-16 warplanes based in Diyarbakır had attacked three Isis targets with guided bombs at dawn on Friday, including what it described as the group’s headquarters and an assembly point. Nine Isis fighters were killed and 12 injured in the attacks, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

    Late on Friday, local broadcaster NTV reported that Turkish fighter jets had re-entered Syrian airspace to launch a further attack on Isis targets as night fell.

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/24/turkish-jets-carry-out-strikes-against-isis-in-syria-reports

  • AM

    Fer every link you put up Clown, I will counter it with a link like above.

  • Miltiades

    Hey Stupid, you missed this:
    Late on Friday night there were unconfirmed reports that Turkish warplanes had launched attacks on PKK camps in northern Iraq.
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/24/turkish-jets-carry-out-strikes-against-isis-in-syria-reports

    20million Kurds denied their human rights by this third world nation that occupies a part of Cyprus. Naffffff of you stupid moron.
    ld

  • Miltiades

    ! Turkey’s air force hits IS and PKK in Syria and Iraq

    5 hours ago
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33663005

  • AM

    Hey thicko no one is disputing Turkeys long standing spat with the PKK ? This is about Turkeys stance against ISIL, will you now give Turkey credit for this action.

    The bombing in the Turkish town of Suruc on Monday, which left 32 dead and the death of a Turkish soldier by ISIS fire from Syria on Thursday has made ISIS a immediate threat for the Turkish government. U.S. officials also said on Thursday the Turks have allowed American warplanes to use Turkish bases to attack ISIS.

    http://time.com/3971161/turkey-isis-war/

  • AM

    The internet is littered with News reports about this, come give em some credit you bozo….

    http://edition.cnn.com/2015/07/24/middleeast/turkey-syria-isis-violence/

  • Miltiades

    Naff off you STUPID moron!

  • AM

    So if I speak or post the truth I am a stupid moron ?

    This is primarily a “North Cyprus” board so perhaps its YOU who should naff off ?

  • Miltiades

    Im here to educate you fools. Doing you a favour so be thankful stupid !

  • AM

    Hahaha…A 1940’s GC educating a Brit, now that I would like to see 🙂

  • Miltiades

    Got it wrong Stupid.
    A British Cypriot educating an illiterate old fool !

  • Miltiades

    ” Turkey conflict with Kurds: Was approving air strikes against the PKK America’s worst error in the Middle East since the Iraq War? ”

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/turkey-conflict-with-kurds-was-approving-air-strikes-against-the-pkk-americas-worst-error-in-the-middle-east-since-the-iraq-war-10417381.html

  • AM

    Milti,..are you on drugs ?

    We are not talking about the PKK…idiot.

    Turkey bombing ISIL targets is the subject….come on clown keep up.

  • BruisedPilgrim

    What an interesting discussion; I have learned a lot. Just one question for Miltiadis, if I may. You say “By the way,…. Zorba was a Greek, I’m a Cypriot.” Am I right in thinking that, were it not for the Turkish invasionintervention, it would be impossible to make that statement – you would be a Greek? I could be wrong,
    but I would appreciate a courteous response.

  • Miltiades

    BP, I restrict derogatory comments for the likes of idiots such as AM and a few others.

    I will respond to the comments you made.

    There are Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenian Cypriots and a number of newcomers to Cyprus. What defines a Cypriot is the fact that predominantly he or she is a Cypriot above all else. Cyprus is the motherland of all Cypriots, those that exclusively describe them selves as either Greek, Turkish etc etc are those that have yet to embrace their own nation as their one and only one motherland.
    Zorba was Greek not a Greek Cypriot.
    I may also add that I consider the Turkish Cypriots as my equal compatriots irrespective of their language or religion. Those that know me well will understand that.

  • Miltiades

    AME. although you are far too stupid to understand this, perhaps this might explain Turkeys change of heart recently.

    “It appears as if the Turkish government is using ISIS as a pretext to attack the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).

    Turkey just announced that its air base at Incirlik will soon be open to coalition forces, presumably to fight ISIS. But the moment Turkey started bombing, it targeted Kurdish positions in Iraq, in addition to targeting ISIS positions in Syria.

    In Turkey, millions of indigenous Kurds are continually terrorized and murdered, but ISIS terrorists can freely travel and use official border crossings to go to Syria and return to Turkey; they are even treated at Turkish hospitals.

    If this is how the states that rule over Kurds treat them, why is there even any question as to whether the Kurds should have their own self-government?”
    http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/6223/turkey-isis-kurds

  • AM

    Milti, you are such an evasive character, I think people are tiring of you ?

    At no point in this conversation have I mentioned PKK but yet you insist on shoe horning them into the conversation,… I give up.

    BruisedPilgrim also aske a perfectly good question and again you side stepped it like Fred Astair,… answer the questions you moron.

  • BruisedPilgrim

    Militiades: I think you gave a reasoned answer to my question, but consider this:

    There is an island in the Med that, after a long and bloody struggle, achieves independence from colonial rule. A new nation is born, but its citizens decide that they would prefer to be Greek. That would be Crete. I have spent just enough time there to know that, although the islanders are proud of their Cretan heritage, they consider themselves to be Greek. I see Greek flags everywhere, but have no idea what a Cretan flag would look like.

    My point is that if the Enosis campaign had succeeded, Cyprus would have been a Greek region for nearly half a century, and Cypriots would, like Cretans, be Greek citizens.

  • Ian Edwards

    And there would now be no mosques, only Greek would be taught in schools, and the only Turkish Cypriots left on the island would still be living in enclaves…..

  • Miltiades

    BP
    You are a well informed individual.
    You also are aware that the overwhelming majority of the Cypriot people desired ENOSIS, my self included at the time. Bear in mind that there was no other driving force at the time, the Cypriot people were under constant occupation and had for thouisands of years considered them selves as a part of the Hellenic world. Understandable given that 80% of the indigenous Cypriots considered them selves Greek.

    Much has changed over the years, the realization that Cyprus can go it alone as a sovereign state with its own government its own flag, alas as yet not its own national anthem.

    I have stated many times both here and on the CY Forum that Im predomonantly a Cypriot and not a Greek antagonizing many.

    My belief formulated over a very long period is that Cyprus is and must remain an independent nation and that all Cypriots have a right to call this island their homeland.

    I object strongly against the continued occupation of a part of Cyprus by Turkey and may I also say that a good many true T/Cs share my view.

    The vast majority of Cypriots, 80% , share the same Christian religion as Greece, but one could say so do the Russians, it does not infer that Cyprus must be Greek, the T/Cs, the indigenous to Cyprus are very adaptable people, most have embraced Cyprus as an independent nation and realize that there can only be one solution to the Cyprob. A united Cyprus independed of what in my opinion are the two cancers afflicting our island. Turkey and Greece.

    AM, Im not going to tell you again.
    Ian you are talking rubbish.

  • AM

    ” AM, Im not going to tell you again. ”

    Milti, one thing is certain…you don’t tell me anything.

    I think the answer you were fishing for was ” Yes this would now be a Greek Island inhabited by many Greek mainlanders and the Cypriot people both GC and TC slowly dying out”

    Am I wrong ?

  • BruisedPilgrim

    Milti
    Thank you for another interesting response. My point about Turkey’s action in 1974 preventing Cyprus becoming a province rather than a nation is still valid, but we are where we are and, praise be, Cyprus is Cyprus and Cypriots are Cypriots. I’ve stayed in the North eleven times over thirteen years and I’ve yet to meet a TC who doesn’t think of himself or herself as a Cypriot, full stop. And none of them believes it necessary to have the Turkish Army on their island.

    Let’s hope the current unification talks move things towards the type of solution you are looking to. There won’t be a better time – in 1974 it suited US strategic interests to have a Turkish presence in the Eastern Med, and at the time of the Annan Plan nothing much had changed. Now, there’s (probably) oil and there are Russian warships using Cyprus ports. Things tend to start happening quickly when the Americans have a project!