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Cyprus became an independent Republic and ceased to be a
British Colony, on the 16th August 1960, under a Constitution
that proved unworkable. (Great Britain still retains two
Sovereign bases covering 158.5 sq.kms at Dhekelia and
Akrotiri-Episkopi)
Three years later the 3 Turkish Cypriot Ministers resigned
from the Cabinet, and the Turkish Cypriot civil servants then
refused to work.
Turkey threatened to invade the island, which they eventually
managed to do on the 20th July 1974.occupying 37% of Cyprus in
the north of the island which they still illegally occupy to
this day. Many people, on both sides, are still missing from
this conflict.
The northern area declared themselves the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus, but Turkey is the only country in the world
that recognises this name.
The United Nations, of which Cyprus is a member, patrols the
divided capital city of Nicosia, and tried to broker a deal to
re-unite the two sides under the Annan Plan in April 2004, but
failed when the Greek Cypriots voted against the deal.
In May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of
the E.U. making the island much more internationalist than
previously and giving it the opportunity to be a bigger player
on the world stage.
In February 2008 a new President of the Republic, Demitris
Christofias was voted in as Head of State, taking over from
Tassos Papadopoulos who had held the post since taking over
from Glafcos Clerides in 2003.
Prior to him there had been three Presidents, Archbishop
Makarios 111, 1959 - 1977, Spyrou Kyprianou 1977 - 1988 and
George Vassiliou 1988 - 1993.
The Constitution provides for a clear separation of powers.
Executive power is exercised by the President, Vice President
and the elected Council of Ministers.
Judicial power lies with the Courts, and Legislative power is
exercised by the House of Representatives and the Communal
Chambers.
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