Nicosia: Today marks 52 years since the morning of July 15, 1974, when the Athens Junta and their appointees in Cyprus executed a coup against the elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. The coup aimed to remove Archbishop Makarios III from power, as the Junta viewed him as an impediment to its plans for Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the violent overthrow of Archbishop Makarios was the result of a long-term conspiracy orchestrated by specific power centers. The Hellenic Parliament and Cyprus' House of Representatives, through the Cyprus Files, have investigated the events leading to the 1974 coup and the subsequent Turkish invasion. The Cyprus Files indicate that the tragic events of July 1974 were not unforeseen and were part of a long-standing chain of events contributing to the Cypriot tragedy.
The findings of two Parliamentary Investigative Committees reveal that years before the events of July 1974, individuals in Greece and Cyprus, both military and civilian, were influenced by foreign intelligence agencies, including the US and NATO. These agencies systematically promoted the notion that Archbishop Makarios, a democratically elected leader, was a staunch opponent of NATO and dubbed him the "Castro of the Mediterranean." This flawed perception fueled a divisive agenda among Greek Cypriots and Greek officers serving in the Cypriot National Guard and ELDYK, fostering animosity against President Makarios.
The plot against Makarios began as early as 1965, gaining momentum when the military dictatorship took power in Greece. Under the Junta's guidance, plans were developed to assassinate Makarios and overthrow his government. The tension between Makarios's government and the Greek military dictatorship intensified due to events such as the 1967 military coup in Greece, the bloody incidents in Kofinou, and the subsequent withdrawal of a Greek army division from Cyprus.
On July 1, 1974, Makarios's Cabinet decided to reduce military service in the National Guard and the number of Greek officers. This decision, paired with a letter sent by Makarios on July 2 accusing the Greek government of conspiracies, escalated tensions. The National Guard, comprising Greek and Cypriot officers, became a focal point for the coup's execution.
The coup was meticulously planned, with the Junta finalizing details on July 14. On the morning of July 15, units of the National Guard, under Brigadier Michael Georgitsis, attacked the Presidential Palace using the code phrase "Alexander has entered the hospital." Despite heavy assaults, Makarios managed to escape and seek refuge.
The coup forces quickly seized key locations, including the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, declaring Makarios dead and establishing the "Government of Salvation" with Nikos Sampson as leader. However, Makarios, from Paphos, assured the public of his survival and urged resistance against the Junta.
Makarios eventually sought refuge in London, where he met with British leaders. Meanwhile, Turkey exploited the chaos, invading Cyprus on July 20 under the guise of protecting Turkish Cypriots, leading to the ongoing occupation of 37% of the island.
The 1974 coup and its aftermath remain pivotal in Cyprus's history, a reminder of the geopolitical complexities and the enduring struggle for justice and reconciliation on the island.