The Republic of Cyprus was accomplished in 1960, after the former colony gained freedom from Britain. Since 1974, a de facto division of the island has existed, with the Greek Cypriot community controlling 63 % of the territory, and the Turkish Cypriots, backed by Turkish army units, 37 %. The scene of constant anticolonial and intercommunal strife since the mid-1950s, Cyprus assumed an importance out of proportion to its size and population because of its strategic location and its impact on the national interests of other nations. The island's location in the eastern Mediterranean Sea has made it easily accessible from Europe, Asia, and Africa since the earliest days of ships. Its timber and mineral resources made it valuable as a source of trade goods in the ancient world, but attracted conquerors, pirates, and adventurers in addition to merchants and settlers.

Turkish forces seized 37 % of the island and effected a de facto partition that was still in existence at the beginning of the 1990s. Turkish Cypriots declared the establishment of their own state in 1983, but as of 1990 only Turkey had recognized the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." Although more populous and considerably precious, and enjoying international recognition, the Republic of Cyprus had not been able to regain its lost territory. Increased military expenditures could not offset the considerable Turkish military presence on the island. Years of laborious negotiations at numerous venues had also achieved little toward ending the island's tragic division.