1968–1974

Intercommunal Talks and Covert Operations

This chapter covers the period from 1968 to mid-1974, during which intercommunal negotiations between Klerides and Denktash failed to achieve a political settlement while covert operations by the Greek junta and EOKA-B increasingly destabilized Cyprus. The period culminated in the direct confrontation between Makarios and the Athens junta, setting the stage for the July 1974 coup.

Makarios is re-elected to a second term as President of Cyprus.

Turning Point

Intercommunal Talks Begin but Fail to Resolve Crisis

Four rounds of intercommunal talks between Greek Cypriot representative Glafkos Klerides and Turkish Cypriot representative Rauf Denktash (1968-1974) fail to resolve constitutional issues including governance structure, territorial arrangements, and minority protections.

Assassination attempt against Makarios fails when gunmen attack his helicopter. Polykarpos Georgadjis is suspected. On 15 March, Georgadjis is killed by automatic gunfire, likely by Greek junta agents.

Turning Point

Grivas Returns and Forms EOKA-B

General George Grivas returns to Cyprus secretly and establishes EOKA-B to oppose Makarios and pursue enosis through violent means.

Grivas dies of heart failure. Greek junta officer Brigadier Dimitrios Ioannidis assumes control of EOKA-B and the Cypriot National Guard.

According to declassified documents, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discusses a Cyprus 'solution' involving Makarios's removal in diplomatic telegrams. The CIA station in Athens maintained close contact with the Ioannidis junta, and US Ambassador to Cyprus Roger Davies repeatedly warned that a coup was imminent.

Turning Point

Makarios Demands Removal of Greek Officers

Makarios writes an open letter to Greek President Gizikis accusing the Greek military regime of supporting EOKA-B and demanding removal of 600 Greek officers from the National Guard.