Tassos Papadopoulos
Tassos Papadopoulos (January 7, 1934 - December 12, 2008)
After completing his studies in London, he arrived back in Cyprus 10 days before the start of the EOKA struggle in 1955. He quickly became an important member of operations throughout Nicosia. Soon after however, he would become General Secretary of PEKA, EOKA’s political wing. Where his skills may be put to better use.
Following the struggle in 1960, he became involved in politics, serving several ministerial appointments and forming his own political party. From the 1970’s onwards, he served as a representative for the Greeks of Cyprus in disputes and during international councils, becoming a powerful presence and figure in the politics of Cyprus.
Becoming President of Cyprus in 2003, Tassos Papadopoulos was known for his passionate opposition of the UN’s so-called “Annan Plan” of 2004, for the reunification of Cyprus.
The plan would have legally absolved Turkish crimes, murders, rapes, stealing of property, vandalism and looting of Greek Orthodox Churches. It would have legitimised their invasion, ethnic cleansing and occupation of the island. It would have enabled the Turks to keep thousands of troops and Turkish settlers shipped to Cyprus by the Turks since 1974 and if any Turkish settlers decided to return to Turkey, the plan envisaged that the compensation for that move would be paid for by the Greeks of Cyprus.
Also, things like the judiciary on Cyprus was to be split between Turkish & Greek representatives 50-50, despite the fact the Turks made up only 18% of the population. Under immense pressure from the British and Americans, Papadopoulos insisted on & maintained a strong No position. 76% of the Greeks of Cyprus responded and rightly voted against the plan.