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The Cyprus question

Sir, — I read Amit Baruah's report "The only divided capital in the world" (Oct. 9) with dismay and disappointment. It is one-sided and does not reflect the realities on the island. In order to better understand the Cyprus question, it is necessary to go into history.

The eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the homeland of two distinct peoples: Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. Their relationship is that of equal partnership. After more than 300 years of Turkish rule, the island came under British administration in 1878, though Turkey formally transferred sovereignty to Britain only in 1923. The colonial administration continued until 1960 when a joint bi-communal state, the Republic of Cyprus, was founded on the basis of international treaties, signed by Great Britain, Greece and Turkey and by the leaders of both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities. The arrangement set up a political partnership between the two national communities.

Unfortunately, it lasted only three years when the Turkish Cypriots were thrown out of government positions at gunpoint and it was in 1963, not in 1974, that Cyprus was divided.

The second Enosis coup on July 15, 1974, in Cyprus forced Turkey to intervene in accordance with the Treaty of Guarantee. Hence, the landing of Turkish troops was the consequence, not the cause, of the problem. Since 1974, there has been no communal violence or bloodshed in Cyprus.

However, the Turkish Cypriot people continue to face an all-embracing embargo and an intensive campaign of hostile propaganda by the Greek Cypriots.

The Cyprus question has now reached a critical stage. No solution will work unless it is accepted by all the inhabitants of the island.

Hasan Gogus,

Turkish Ambassador, New Delhi

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