JUGOSLAVIJA I KIPARSKA KRIZA 1974. GODINE: OD PUČA GRČKIH OFICIRA 15. JULA DO SREDINE AVGUSTA
YUGOSLAVIA AND CYPRUS CRISIS 1974: FROM THE COUP OF GREEK OFFICERS ON JULY 15 TO THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST

Summary/Abstract: This paper discusses Yugoslavia's role in the 1974 Cyprus crisis, spanning from the Greek officers' coup on July 15 to Turkey's second attack in mid-August. In order to understand the context of the events, the author explains events in Cyprus and Yugoslav perspectives until 1974. Belgrade feared the crisis spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Balkans after President Makarios's overthrow on July 15. Together with the non-aligned states, Yugoslavia provided diplomatic support to Cyprus and the legal president Makarios. The actions of Greece were seen by Yugoslav officials as a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an independent and non-aligned state. Protests were sent to Athens and Western countries, while cooperation was established with Turkey regarding the overflight of Turkish military planes over Yugoslav territory. When Turkey intervened on the island on July 20, Yugoslavia supported this action if its aim was to return the legal regime of Makarios and protect the Turkish minority. After failed negotiations in Geneva, when Turkey launched a second intervention on August 14, Yugoslavia decided to react so that the Turks would not implement the plan to divide the island and threaten the position of Makarios. The permission for Turkish planes to fly over its territory was revoked, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miloš Minic, was sent to mediate in Athens, Ankara and Nicosia.

• Details
• Contents