ABSTRACT
Cyprus was ruled by Turkey from 1570 to 1878, then by Britain, but three-quarters of its population (now 800,000) is Greek. When it became independent in 1960, Britain, Greece and Turkey were given the right to keep forces in Cyprus, and to intervene to maintain its constitution, which included provisions designed to protect the Turkish minority. At independence, Britain retained sovereignty over bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
