50 years after the Cyprus crisis, Greek intelligence services lifted a ban on access to 58 reports related to the Greek coup in Nicosia, which contributed to the Turkish military invasion and partition of the Mediterranean island.

- The documents (which until now have been strictly confidential) explain the Greek perspective in the period between July and August 1974. They were published in order to contribute to a better understanding of what exactly happened - announced the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

The consequences of the crisis have been felt for half a century. Ankara responded to the Athens-instigated coup just five days later with a military invasion of northern Cyprus, which is still divided. Greece and Ankara periodically strengthen initiatives to resolve the Cyprus problem and to unify the island. The disclosure of the documents will certainly cause reactions and protests, but in the long term it will contribute to overcoming the problems.

- Fifty years is quite a lot and therefore it is quite a safe period, which does not pressure you, but allows you to look back at the national and professional self-awareness - said the general director of EGP, Themistokles Demitris.

The published 58 documents talk about the tensions between the then military junta in Athens and the leadership in Nicosia. The Cypriot authorities were convinced that Athens was interfering in their internal affairs and that it was supporting the paramilitary group EOKA B. A report dated 2 July 1974 contained warnings from Cypriot officials, who insisted that the Greek military presence in Cyprus cease.

The junta staged a coup in Cyprus on July 15, but was itself overthrown in Athens nine days later.