Media: Greek nationalists attack Turkish Cypriots in Nicosia, undermining peace efforts

Tensions flared at the border dividing the Cypriot capital, Lefkoşa (Nicosia), on April 1 as a group of Greek Cypriots threw stones and shouted insults at Turkish Cypriots.

The incident occurred on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston (EOKA), a group responsible for historical violence on the island, Caliber.Az reports, citing Daily Sabah.

According to reports from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), around 15 individuals dressed in black, who were participating in events marking the anniversary, targeted civilians in Yiğitler Burcu Park on the TRNC side of the border. The group, allegedly from the Greek Cypriot side, threw stones, insulted those present, and chanted slogans before dispersing.

EOKA, founded by Georgios Grivas in 1954, initially sought to end British colonial rule. However, from 1958, the organisation also carried out attacks against Turkish Cypriots as part of its objective to unify the island with Greece.

In response to the latest incident, TRNC authorities stated that security measures had been reinforced along the border.

The development follows recent efforts to revive negotiations on the long-standing division of Cyprus. Last month, representatives of both communities met in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations, marking the first significant progress in years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that the talks resulted in agreements on a series of joint initiatives, including the potential opening of new border crossings.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following a coup by Greek Cypriots seeking unification with Greece. The intervention of Türkiye, as a guarantor power, led to the establishment of the TRNC in 1983. While the Turkish Cypriot side continues to advocate a two-state solution based on sovereign equality, previous attempts to reach a federal settlement have been unsuccessful. Talks in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in 2017 failed to produce an agreement.

The division remains a key issue within the European Union, as the Republic of Cyprus joined the bloc in 2004. The same year, Greek Cypriots rejected a UN-backed reunification plan in a referendum, prolonging the stalemate in negotiations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev