Cyprus Quick Fact
Independence
from the UK was approved in 1960 with constitutional
guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish
Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt
to seize the government was met by military intervention
from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the
island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself
the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus",
but it is recognized only by Turkey. UN-led direct talks
between the two sides to reach a comprehensive settlement
to the division of the island began in January 2002.
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