The elaborate power-sharing arrangements between the Greek…

The elaborate power-sharing arrangements between the Greek majority and the Turkish minority on Cyprus have broken down within three years of the island’s independence.

The difficulties the government has encountered in implementing some of the complicated provisions of the constitution, particularly over local government and finance, lead Makarios to propose 13 amendments to Küçük in late 1963.

The Turkish government and the Turkish Cypriots reject these.

Serious violence erupts in Nicosia on December 21, 1963,  when a Greek Cypriot police patrol, ostensibly checking identification documents, stops a Turkish Cypriot couple on the edge of the Turkish quarter.

A hostile crowd gathers, shots are fired, and two Turkish Cypriots are killed.

As the news spreads, members of the underground organizations begin firing and taking hostages.

North of Nicosia, Turkish forces occupy a strong position at St. Hilarion Castle, dominating the road to Kyrenia on the northern coast.

The road becomes a principal combat area as both sides fight to control it.

Much intercommunal fighting occurs in Nicosia along the line separating the Greek and Turkish quarters of the city (known later as the Green Line).

Turkish Cypriots are not concentrated in one area, but live throughout the island, making their position precarious.

Vice-President Küçük and Turkish Cypriot ministers and members of the House of Representatives cease participating in the government.