Cyprus Independence Agreement of 1959

Name: Cyprus Independence Agreement of 1959
Start: 1959-02-19
Location: Unspecified

The Historic Cyprus Independence Agreement

The year 1959 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Cyprus as Britain, Turkey, and Greece came together to sign an agreement granting the island independence. This historic agreement was the culmination of escalating tensions and decades of colonial rule, reflecting the aspirations of the Cypriot people for self-determination.

Both Greece and Turkey had a vested interest in Cyprus, largely due to its strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean and its mixed Greek and Turkish population. The independence agreement aimed to address these intricate ethnic relations while establishing a framework for a new government in the spirit of unity and cooperation.

The Role of Britain, Turkey, and Greece

Britain had controlled Cyprus since the late 19th century, but by the mid-20th century, increasing demands for independence and a rise in nationalism made it clear that the status quo was no longer tenable. In 1955, the Greek Cypriots formed the resistance movement known as EOKA, which further pressured Britain to negotiate. The involvement of Turkey added another layer of complexity due to its commitment to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots. The agreement was not just about independence but also about how to share power between the two major ethnic groups in Cyprus.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The agreement laid out a unique constitutional framework that established Cyprus as an independent Republic, with provisions for the distribution of power between the Greek and Turkish communities. Specifically, it included a guarantee of the rights of both communities and established a system for representation in governmental decisions. Additionally, the three guarantor powers—Britain, Turkey, and Greece—were given the responsibility to intervene in case of a violation of this agreement.

Challenges Following Independence

Despite the initial optimism surrounding the independence agreement, the years following 1959 were fraught with challenges. Ethnic tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots led to political instability, and the envisioned cooperation began to unravel.

The Rise of Ethnic Tensions

Discontent quickly arose as the new constitution proved to be a source of conflict rather than a solution. Parliamentary politics became increasingly polarized, leading to violence between communities. The flaws of the power-sharing arrangement became apparent, and calls for enosis (union with Greece) among Greek Cypriots and concerns over the status of Turkish Cypriots further complicated the political landscape.

International Reactions and Interventions

The international community monitored the developments in Cyprus closely. The agreement allowed for a robust British military presence, but rising violence prompted the United Nations to intervene, leading to the establishment of peacekeeping forces in the 1960s aimed at restoring order but, in many ways, failing to fully address the underlying issues.

Fun Fact

The Impact of the Agreement

Interestingly, the Cyprus Independence Agreement laid the groundwork for the modern political landscape of the island, which is still relevant today. The constitutional framework, although flawed, was a first step toward Cypriot self-governance and sparked discussions about human rights and representation in multilateral agreements.