Whether the Greek or the Turkish Side Should Be Blamed for the Emergence and the Prolongation of the Inter-Communal Conflict in Cyprus

The aim of this essay is to give an unbiased answer to whether the Greek or the Turkish side should be blamed for the emergence and the prolongation of the inter-communal conflict in Cyprus. The body has been divided into four major parts. The first section deals with the start of nationalist movements and their role concerning the conflict. It is found that these gave the basis for the conflict since their actions deepened distrust between the two communities and brought Greece and Turkey - both largely intervening later - into the problem. The second part highlights how independence of Cyprus changed attitudes and events. Since the terms of the constitution had been agreed by the three external powers (Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom) without consulting the Cypriots themselves, discontent and violence spread on the island - mostly provoked by the Greeks. Turkish actions at this point were reactions to Greek aggression, however the conflict became increasingly complicated and this needed the discussion of the responsibilities of both Greeks and Turks. …