Cyprus+++An+Island+Divided

 ** B R I E F I N G ** Cyprus: An Island Divided // After years of division and new discoveries, what is the fate for Cyprus? //  Home to the Cypriots, Cyprus is an island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea below Turkey (40 miles S), Syria (60 miles W) and Greece (480 miles SE) – easily accessible from Europe, Africa, and Asia making it a point for power struggles between nations. The entire country is roughly the size of Connecticut at 3,572 square miles. This island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe! Cyprus had been occupied by both Greeks and Turks under British rule for82 years but gained its independence in 1960. In 1974, Turkey invaded to “protect Turkish Cypriots” by bombing Greek cities and in a matter of three days the Turks had 30,000 troops on the island. The Greeks could not resist as the Turks advanced and eventually occupied the northern third of Cyprus. The country was divided along a line running east to west through its capital, Nicosia. The north is the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus which takes up 37% of the island and is home to Turkish Cypriots. The south side of the island is the Republic of Cyprus (official government of the island), and is home to the Greek Cypriots. Each side wants to take over the other and be in total control of the entire island.  Turkish and Greek Cypriots pass through the Lokmaci crossing point in Ledra Steet in Nicosia The north and south sides of Cyprus have been “doing their own thing” ever since the island was split. The Republic of Cyprus (south) has a constitutional democracy and over the years has become very wealthy due to a thriving economy. It is a member of the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), and many peacekeeping organizations. These groups recognize the Republic of Cyprus as the main government of the island. North Cyprus has strong political and economic ties with Turkey. It is not recognized by the UN or other major nations except Turkey. Separating the north and south is a buffer zone set up by the United Nations. This zone has created a physical and social barrier between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In 2002, Kofi Annan proposes a solution that both countries would come together under one shared federal constitution. The Greek Cypriots said “no”, because they thought that the plan was more in favor of the Turks. Both sides believe that the island is rightfully their home. Often when there is an ongoing conflict as there is in Cyprus, other problems do not get the attention they deserve. The government and population in general are distracted and not focusing on other pressing domestic issues. Currently, Cyprus, north and south, has a problem with rampant prostitution. The south is known for its role in the sex trade and is a major destination for human trafficking. The north has issues with freedom of speech. Both sides have a problem with racist and abuse of immigrant workers.
 * Where is Cyprus? **
 * Why did Cyprus split? **
 * Why are there still tensions? **
 * What other problems are being overlooked? **

Currently, Turkey is petitioning to join the EU. Its continued involvement in the Republic of Cyprus is one reason it’s membership is being blocked. There are, of course, other causes given, its physical location for one, but many political pundits blame Turkey’s invasion and puppet occupation of northern Cyprus.
 * What’s effect is this conflict having? **

Turkey is unable to join the EU due to its involvement in Cyprus

In 2004, the UN brokered a reunification deal but Tassos Papadopoulos, president of Cyprus, encouraged voters to reject the plan. He believed it would only deepen the divide and the populous responded by rejecting the reunification plan. Many Cypriots, Turkish and Greek, were disappointed that the plan stalled and tempers flared even more. Papadopoulos died last year. Dec 11, 2009, authorities found that his grave had been robbed. No one has been arrested but rumors are flying. Both sides blame the other and there appears to be no resolution for this conflict any time soon.
 * What’s going on now? **