Cyprus Case Study

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Introduction
Cyprus is the third largest island with nearly 1,500,000 people; the island has strategic importance in the eastern Mediterranean. The Cyprus is divided into two main ethnic groups, Greek and Turkish. The Greek Cypriots consist of nearly 80% of the population of Cyprus. The Greek Cypriots historically settled the island dating back to 1200 B.C. (Hunt). The Turkish minority, roughly 20% of the population, came from the Ottoman conquest in 1571; more waves of migration since the Turkish invasion in 1974. After World War I, Cyprus wanted to end its colonial status under the British and unite with Greece, but Britain retained Cyprus for use of the military bases on the island. Post - World War II, Greek Cypriots revolted and waged …show more content…

Various international organizations and states that have interfered with Cyprus’s sovereignty. European Union recognizes the existence of only one state, the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, Meier argues that Turkish and Greek Cypriots share the vison that reunification and accession into the EU would boost the economy for all Cypriots (Meier 477). Furthermore, the strategic location of Cyprus would be an asset for European defense against the east. Also, Cyprus has acted as intermediary in business and politics between European interest and the Middle East (Meier, …show more content…

There was significant reduction of Greek and Turkish aggression, which influenced the cooling of hostiles on Cyprus. Peace and reunification talks began shortly after the 1974 invasion, but the most successful negotiations have taken place since 2000s. In 2001, Greece and Turkey cut arms spending, in turn further stabilizing Cyprus (Meier 475). Organizations such as NATO, EU, and the UN have attempted to cool tension and promote a peaceful diplomatic resolution to Cyprus’s unification. Both Greece and Greek Cyprus have indicated their support of Turkish membership into the EU once Cyprus is reunited (Meier

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