On February 11, 1959, Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis and Turkish Prime Minister Adnan Menderes initialed the Zurich Agreement, which outlined the basic structure of an independent Republic of Cyprus as a bicommunal state.
The agreement was finalized and formally signed on February 19, 1959, in London (at Lancaster House) by Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Archbishop Makarios III (representing Greek Cypriots), and Dr. Fazıl Küçük (representing Turkish Cypriots). It included:
- A new constitution establishing a presidential republic with a Greek Cypriot president and a Turkish Cypriot vice president.
- A Treaty of Guarantee (signed by Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, and the UK), allowing the guarantor powers to intervene to protect the island's independence and constitution.
- A Treaty of Alliance (between Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey), providing for military cooperation.
- Retention of British sovereign base areas on the island.
These Zurich-London Agreements paved the way for Cyprus to gain independence on August 16, 1960.
EU Affirms Reunification of Cyprus An Absolute Priority
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