Cyprus is separated by a 120-mile barrier which divides the Turkish controlled portion of the island from the Greek section. Turkey took over a portion of Cyprus when it moved into Cyprus in response to a potential coup aiming at reunification of the island with Greece in 1974. Turkey claims it was protecting its citizens; Greece claims it was an invasion, and generally, world opinion has favored the Greek perspective.
The Turkish move apparently comes in response to recent developments related to the impending entry of Cyprus into the European Union. Most Turkish Cypriots favor EU membership, which could not be considered while Cyprus is a nation divided against itself.
The "Cyprus Question" has also long been a factor in the admittance of Turkey itself into the EU, though Greece dropped opposition to Turkey after relations between Greece and Turkey warmed after mutual cooperation in the aftermath of several major earthquakes striking the region over the past few years.
The Greek side of Cyprus immediately offered free bus tours to Turkish Cypriots. In general, the Greek portion of Cyprus is considered to be better developed and offers more modern amenities than the Turkish area.
What's the Effect on Your Travel?
In the past, foreign visitors to Cyprus have often violated the "Green Line" dividing the two sections of the island, though technically this has always been against the law. Cash-starved Turkish Cyprus has always been eager for tourist spending, while the Greek portion of the island has been unwilling to let tourists cross after making what Greek officials regarded as a poor choice in choosing the Turkish side for their holiday.
What changes this incident may bring remain to be seen, though most are hoping for an eventual permanent removal of the checkpoints.
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