G. Kamilaris: Athens Considered the Cyprus Issue a 'Thorn'

The Cyprus issue was never a major national issue for Greece, according to the new book by Giorgos Kamilaris, "CYPRUS ON THE BRINK: AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHENS." It is stated that Greek governments often viewed the Cyprus issue as a 'thorn' in their international relations.

In his book, Giorgos Kamilaris analyzes the involvement of Greek governments in the Cyprus issue since the early 20th century. He points out the governmental instability in Greece, with 47 governments between 1944 and 1974, which hindered the effective promotion of national issues, including the Cyprus issue.

The author refers to the period 1944-1955, when Greece had 26 governments, highlighting the country's inability to support the armed struggle of EOKA. Greece's participation in the Tripartite Conference of London in 1955, despite the warnings of Archbishop Makarios, is considered to have foreshadowed the disastrous course of the Cyprus issue.

Giorgos Kamilaris emphasizes that his criticism does not concern the Greek people, but the governments. He underlines the risk of the annihilation of Hellenism in Cyprus and the need for practical national involvement of Greece in the issue.

The book covers important events such as the October Uprising of 1931, the 1950 Referendum, and the Beginning of the Armed Struggle of EOKA.