EOKA B

EOKA-B or Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston B (EOKA B /ˈkə/; 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.

EOKA B
Leaders
  • George Grivas (Until 1973 where he became sick and later died in January of 1974)
  • Athanasios Sklavenitis
Dates of operation1971–1978
HeadquartersCyprus
IdeologyGreek nationalism
Enosis
Anti-communism
Political positionFar-right
AlliesGreek military junta of 1967–74 (From January to July 1974)
Progressive Front
OpponentsRepublic of Cyprus
Turkish Resistance Organisation
EDEK
AKEL
Pro-Makarios supporters

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. Among the attacks it is responsible for is the Maratha, Santalaris and Aloda massacre. EOKA-B members were also arrested for the kidnapping of the son of president Spyros Kyprianou. and for being involved in the assassination of US ambassador Rodger Paul Davies. Homicide charges were dropped on 4 June 1977 by a Cypriot court against the two men accused of killing the ambassador. 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".

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