Independence 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. Cyprus talks resumed in December 1999 to prepare the ground for a comprehensive settlement. - U.S. CIA World Factbook

T34/85 used by the Cypriot National Guard before and during the conflict with Turkey. - Photo research by Darius Piwowarczyk
 USSR T34/85

Greece sponsored an attempt to seize the government in 1974. Turkey, using protection of the small Turkish minority population on the island as an excuse, countered this with military intervention and soon controlled 40% of the island. Yugoslavia supplied these tanks to the Greek Cypriots during the fighting. The area controlled by the Turks, called Northern Cyprus and recognized as a government - even today - only by Turkey, were known to have 8 of these tanks in 1983. A 1981 source lists that the "Southern" part of the country had 24 of these tanks.

(no photo)
 South African Marmon Herrington

Sources state that in 1983 they still had twenty of these excellent armored cars in service. A 1981 source states that they had 30.
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Last Update: Thursday, May 15, 2003