Independence does not ensure peace in Cyprus.…
1961 CE
Serious problems concerning the working and interpretation of the constitutional system appear immediately.
These problems reflect the sharp bi-communal division in the constitution and the historical and continuing distrust between the two communities.
Turkish Cypriots, after eight decades of passivity under the British, have become a political entity. In the words of political scientist Nancy Crawshaw, "Turkish Cypriot nationalism, barely perceptible under British rule, came to equal that of the Greeks in fanaticism."
One major point of contention concerns the composition of units under the six-to-four ratio decreed for the Cypriot army.
Makarios wants complete integration; Kuciik favors segregated companies.
On October 20, 1961 , Kuciik uses his constitutional veto power as vice president to halt the development of an integrated force.
Makarios now states that the country cannot afford an army anyway; planning and development of the national army ceases.
Other problems develop in the application of the seven-to-three ratio of employment in government agencies.