The Defense of Cyprus

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The Defense of Cyprus refers to the military response of the Greek Cypriots (The EOKA and Greek junta) towards the Turkish invasion that lasted from 20 July through 18 August 1974. Archbishop Makarios III, the President of Cyprus at the time being, repeatedly spoke about the need to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus—From if anything, "the subsequent Turkish invasion."
Exactly a day after Turkey invaded, Makarios gave a statement - “The Turkish Government has tried to justify its invasion, but its real objective is occupation. We call upon all nations to help defend the territorial integrity and independence of Cyprus.”
* He directly appealed for international support in defending Cyprus as a sovereign state—not as a Greek or Turkish province, but still with some sort of influence by the Greeks.
Glafcos Clerides, the Acting President of the time, on July 27, 1974, addressed the Cypriot people and the international community saying: "Our priority must be the defense of our homeland and the restoration of constitutional order… The Republic of Cyprus must be preserved."
Though militarily unprepared, many Greek Cypriots volunteered to fight or aid in resistance:
* Radio announcements at the time called on citizens to "defend the Republic" against "foreign invaders."
* Civilians and National Guard members referred to themselves as "defenders of Cyprus," and some units fought under slogans like "Freedom or Death."

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