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By Ioanna Theou
On July 20, 1974, Turkey launched a military operation in Cyprus, a few days after the coup of the Greek military government and EOKA II, against President Makarios III. Turkey claims that the intervention was carried out under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee for the ‘’restoration of constitutional order’’ and the protection of Turkish Cypriots. The Republic of Cyprus, Greece and a big part of the international community describe the event as an illegal invasion and occupation.
The first phase of the operation , known as ‘’Attila I’’, began with a landing in the Kyrenia area and aerial bombardments. In August 1974, the ‘’Attila II’ offensive followed, resulting in Turkish forces gaining control of approximately 36-37% of the island’s northern territory. Around 170,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced from their homes, while there were also population movements of Turkish Cypriots towards the north. Thousands of people were killed or remain missing to this day.
Today, the northern part of Cyprus is administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognised only by Turkey. The Republic of Cyprus, which controls the southern part of the island, is the internationally recognised state and a member of the European Union. The Greek and Greek Cypriot sides continue to support a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with United Nations resolutions. The Turkish Cypriot side and Turkey have promoted the idea of a two-state solution in recent years, which is rejected by the Republic of Cyprus and the United Nations.[i]
The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that Greece remembers the events of 1974 and honours those who defended Cyprus. According to the Greek Prime Minister, Greece remains committed to resolving the Cyprus issue based on a UN framework, while rejecting permanent division, and maintaining vigilance regarding Cyprus’ security and sovereignty. [ii]The Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias presents the Cyprus problem primarily as an issue of continued occupation and division and supports Greece’s commitment to Cyprus’ security and defence, despite the geographical distance between the two countries.[iii]
The Greek government should move beyond symbolic statements and adopt a more proactive diplomatic strategy. Athens should increase pressure on Turkey regrading the Cyprus issue, particularly by highlighting the continued division of the island and the presence of Turkish troops in northern Cyprus. At the European level, Greece could seek stronger EU involvement and use diplomacy to address actions that it considers contrary to international law and regional stability.
Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric is also reflected in statements by the Turkish president, who describes those involved in the 1974 military operation as heroes and emphasises that Turkish Cypriots will not be left alone without Turkey’s support. [iv]The question therefore arises: how is it possible that Greek governments have not consistently responded more strongly to such statements? Especially after the Treaty of Guarantee, which Konstantinos Karamanlis signed and guaranteed the territorial integrity, independence, and constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus.[v]
From this perspective, Athens should provide military support, including air and naval assistance, as well as Greek personnel who could support the Cypriot defence forces. Therefore, the main goal of the greek government should be the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the demilitarisation of the island. Also, the removal of the British military bases is required, which are viewed by some as a remaining legacy of British colonial rule. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots should coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
The Greek government might not enjoy the full backing of many allies on the issue, but there are two potential strategic partners, meaning the United States and Israel. Therefore, Greece should further develop its political and diplomatic relations with both the United States and Israel in order to strengthen its position and address the Cyprus issue.
Resources
[i] Athens- Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), ‘’N. Dendias for the 52 Years Since the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus: The Cyprus Issue Remains a Matter of Illegal Occupation,” July 20, 2026, https://www.amna.gr/home/article/1010144/N-Dendias-gia-ta-52-chronia-apo-tin-tourkiki-eisboli-stin-Kupro-To-Kupriako-paramenei-zitima-paranomis-katochis
[ii] Kathimerini, “Mitsotakis for the 52 Years Since the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus: We Do Not Forget, We Remain Vigilant,” July 20, 2026, https://www.kathimerini.gr/politics/564354682/mitsotakis-gia-ta-52-chronia-apo-tin-toyrkiki-eisvoli-stin-kypro-den-xechnoyme-epagrypnoyme/
[iii] Karagiorgos, D. ‘’52 Years of Occupation in Cyprus’’, Euronews, July 20, 2026, https://gr.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/07/20/52-xronia-katoxis-stin-kipro
[iv] Cleaver, T. ‘’Erdogan: We Will Never Abandon the Turkish Cypriot People.’’ Cyprus Mail. July 20, 2026. https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/07/20/erdogan-we-will-never-abandon-the-turkish-cypriot-people
[v]United Nations Peacemaker. “The Comprehensive Settlement of the Cyprus Problem.” March 31, 2004. United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. Accessed July 20, 2026. https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/default/files/document/files/2024/05/cy20gr20tr600816treaty20of20guarantee.pdfn