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Independence of Cyprus from the UK was approved in 1960, with constitutional guarantees by the Greek Cypriot majority to the Turkish Cypriot minority. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled almost 40% of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. The latest two-year round of UN-brokered direct talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN unity plan in an April 2004 referendum. Although only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot-controlled "Republic of Cyprus" joined the EU on 1 May 2004, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport will have the status of a European citizen. However, Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade and economic links to northern Cyprus as a way of rewarding the Turkish Cypriot community for voting in favor of the UN unity plan. -- The CIA World Factbook: Cyprus Area of Cyprus: 9,250 sq km about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut Population of Cyprus: 775,927 July 2004 estimate Languages of Cyprus: Greek, Turkish, English Cyprus Capital: Nicosia
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The New York Times, July 29, 1878, p.2:THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS.CLIMATE, SOIL, AND PRESENT CONDITION OF ENGLAND'S NEW ACQUISITION.A correspondent, describing himself as for many years a Consular Agent and merchant in the Island of Cyprus, writes thus of its condition and resources to the London Standard:. "The climate is very similar to that of Crete; the Winter is short and cold, the Summer long and hot, but not oppressively so on account of the sweet Mediterranean breezes, which make the evenings particularly cool; and people of regular habits will find it not only free from sickness, but beneficial, if they do not indulge too freely in the beautiful fruit which grows nearly wild in every part of the island. "The English farmer will reap a good harvest, with moderate toil and careful study of the seasons; labor is cheap and plentiful, but the natives, like most Orientals, are lazy and want looking after. Manures and artificial manures are unknown, the soil being rich in itself. Farmers should provide themselves with tools, &c. before starting; but as horses and mules are cheap, and the surrounding countries rich in them, English animals ought not to be taken there, except for breeding purposes. "The vines are richer than in any other country, and, when properly cultivated, will supply us with the wine Homer praised so much. Throughout Turkey in Europe it is used as a cure for consumption, and the Americans have of late been drawing large supplies of it. Aromatic tobacco of the most delicate quality is extensively grown, principally for the St. Petersburg market. "Fine hard timber is plentiful, notwithstanding the enormous quantities that have been recklessly cut down by the Government, and a Turin firm are now exhibiting some rare specimens in Paris; sleepers for railway and other purposes will be found in abundance, especially when the existing roads are repaired and others constructed; rice, beans, wheat, barley, olives, raisins, locust-beans, cotton, hemp, wool, silk, bees-wax, honey, madder, and beet-root are extensively exported. "The mines are rich in copper, and a proof of gold existing is that large pieces of the precious metal are daily washed down by the mountain streams; capitalists will find the mines, once worked by the Greeks and others, but now abandoned, a source of unlimited wealth. "Coal is also found, but, through a lack of enterprise, the mines, have never been touched; mineral and lake salt is abundant, and ozokerit exists not far from Lefcosia, also at Citti. "The buildings are not worth mentioning, and accommodation will no doubt be in demand, but with English builders, cheap and plentiful materials, villages will soon grow into towns. "Intending settlers should provide themselves with a good supply of Malta outfit, also some warm Winter clothing. "On account of the harbors being nearly useless, also for want of break-waters and quays, vessels lie at a distance, and load and discharge their cargoes by lighters, the operation being often stopped during bad weather. The remedy of this evil now becomes a necessity, and should be one of the first works the present Government undertakes. "England will supply Cyprus with every description of goods, and merchants may rely upon getting good returns for their capital if they select suitable articles--coal, hardware, provisions, wines, spirits, oil-men's stores, drapery, drugs, agricultural implements, household furniture, petroleum, glass, and other such goods are certain to be in great demand. "The inhabitants may be roughly estimated at 90,000, of whom 60,000 are Greeks, 25,000 Turks, and the rest Fellahs and Arabs. They are good-natured, honest, quiet, and hospitable, but must be taught to work. The principal language is Greek; Turkish and Italian being spoken by the upper classes only." |
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