EOKA B

For the 1955–59 group, see EOKA.

EOKA B
Leaders
Dates of operation1971–1978
HeadquartersCyprus
IdeologyGreek nationalism
Enosis
Anti-communism
Anti-Turkish sentiment
Political positionFar-right
AlliesGreek military junta of 1967–74 (From January to July 1974)
Progressive Front
OpponentsRepublic of Cyprus
Turkey
Turkish Resistance Organisation
EDEK
AKEL
Pro-Makarios supporters
Battles and wars1974 Cypriot coup d'état
Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Preceded by
EOKA

EOKA-B or Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston B (EOKA B /eɪˈoʊkə/; Greek: Εθνική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών, lit. 'National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters') was a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organisation formed in 1971 by General Georgios Grivas ("Digenis"). It followed an ultra right-wing nationalistic ideology and had the ultimate goal of achieving the enosis (union) of Cyprus with Greece. During its short history, the organisation's chief aim was to block any attempt to enforce upon the Cyprus people what the organisation considered to be an unacceptable settlement to the Cyprus issue. In addition, the organisation drafted various plans to overthrow President Makarios. The organisation continued its activities until it officially declared its dissolution and disbanded on 11 February 1978.[1]

Due to its attacks on civilians (Post Grivas), it was considered a criminal organization and was outlawed by the Republic of Cyprus after the death of George Grivas.[2] Among the attacks it is responsible for is the Maratha, Santalaris and Aloda massacre. EOKA-B members were arrested for the kidnapping of the son of president Spyros Kyprianou[3] and for being involved in the assassination of US ambassador Rodger Paul Davies.[4][5] Homicide charges were dropped on 4 June 1977 by a Cypriot court against the two men accused of killing the ambassador.[6] According to the Washington Post's 1970s Cyprus correspondent, Joseph W. Fitchett, EOKA-B members were "motivated by a mixture of patriotism, money and macho".[7]

  1. ^ "EOKA-B disbands in aid of unity: The notorious underground EOKA-B movement, responsible for a militant campaign against Archbishop Makarios, announces that it has disbanded itself - February 11, 1978 - Cyprus Mail". Cyprus Mail. 3 October 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  2. ^ Mirbagheri, Farid (2009). Historical Dictionary of Cyprus. Scarecrow Press. p. 116. ISBN 9780810862982.
  3. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (16 December 1977). "Kidnapers Seize Son of Cyprus' President". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  4. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (12 February 1977). "Three Greek Cypriot Rightists Arraigned in Killing of U.S. Envoy". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  5. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (4 February 1977). "Cyprus to Arrest, Try 6 Rightists In '74 Death of U.S. Ambassador". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  6. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (4 June 1977). "Cyprus Drops Charges". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  7. ^ Fitchett, Joseph (12 February 1977). "Three Greek Cypriot Rightists Arraigned in Killing of U.S. Envoy". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 6 July 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.