When 2024 began and 50 years since the Republic was restored, few imagined that the National Intelligence Service would enter the equation of commemorative events and initiatives. And yet, with a movement that caused a sensation, the EYP, after the initiative of the commander of the ambassador et Themistocles Demiris, “declassified” very interesting documents which shows the information and movements of the Service, two months before The Turkish invasion in Cyprus even “Attila”.
The initiative of Mr. Demiri, by the standards of State Department and Foreign Office activities, arrived a few months ago. He promised to contact the prime minister to get the green light, and then began the process of “securely” declassifying sensitive national documents. A key parameter that allowed the declassification is the 50 year period, which is the minimum, according to the law, for this to happen. Also, a persistent view of the experienced diplomat Mr. Demiris, who served and lived in Cyprus, is that the EYP should not manage “protected” historical events, de facto declassified as historical events.
After all, the journalistic and historical research on the controversial period of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus is extensive. In fact, according to information from protothema.gr, the declassification of the disputed documents will not be an isolated move, as other actions relating to other historical periods will continue. In other words, the EYP will gradually harmonize with the practices followed by other information services around the world – but not in Europe.
Processing and coating
When Mr. Demiris received the “green light” to participate and the EYP in this strange way in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reform of the Republic, started the necessary procedures. He proposed a declassification committee to scrutinize the documents so as not to “release” information that could be nationally sensitive even today.
At the same time, a regulation was drawn up under the declassification framework, after which the professor of Post-War World History at the EKPA, Evanthis Hatzivasileiou, was called to comment on the disputed documents and to consider their merits. It is characterized based on the documents in question that the EYP does not seem to underestimate the danger of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, and it is amazing that immediately after the invasion and for a few days it stops recording of the Service. “It is clear from the shock of the moment,” estimates a source familiar with the details.
In fact, according to information, there was even special care in the ”secure” scanning of the documents posted on the EYP website, so that there were no ”holes” that could allow other data to leak through a “backdoor ” possible.
“We have nothing to fear”
Admittedly, 50 years after an event is enough time for historians to record aspects of it that have not yet been revealed. “We have nothing to worry about,” a competent source emphasizes protothema.gr, stressing that the Republic does not identify itself with the choices and manipulations of the coupling sandwiches and especially the Ioannidis junta and the leadership of the Armed Forces at the time.
The publication is characterized by the coincidence of the developments in Greece-Turkey or the attempt to restart the debate on the Cyprus issue, where the two sides are now further apart than ever, people who know the background as “coincidence. “. In any case, the documents in question could hardly have an impact on any discussion, although they show a great deal of operational negligence on the part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
See the declassified document dated July 1, 1974:
What insights can be gained from the newly declassified documents regarding the Turkish invasion of Cyprus?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Evanthis Hatzivasileiou, Expert in Post-War World History
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Professor Hatzivasileiou. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the recent declassification of documents by the National Intelligence Service regarding the events leading up to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. What was your immediate reaction to the decision to declassify these documents after 50 years?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: Thank you for having me. My immediate reaction was one of cautious optimism. Fifty years is indeed a significant span of time, and the opportunity to examine previously classified information opens up avenues for new insights into this critical moment in history. However, it’s also essential to approach this with the understanding that context and interpretation are key.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The documents reportedly show the EYP’s perspective on the threat of the Turkish invasion. How do you think this newfound transparency will affect historical scholarship on the Cyprus issue?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: This declassification contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the events leading up to the invasion. Historians and researchers now have access to the intelligence community’s assessments, which were previously obscured. It’s crucial, though, to correlate this intelligence with other accounts from that period, including personal testimonies and diplomatic communications, to construct a comprehensive historical narrative.
Time.news Editor: The initiative led by Commander Themistocles Demiris seems to aim at aligning the EYP with practices of intelligence sharing in other countries. How significant is this move within the context of intelligence agencies in Europe?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: It’s quite significant. In many parts of the world, intelligence agencies have long recognized the importance of transparency, especially regarding historical events. This shift in approach by the EYP signifies a maturation of the agency and a recognition that history should be shared rather than hidden. It also allows for accountability and encourages a culture where history can be continuously debated and analyzed rather than being sealed away.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that you stress the importance of context when interpreting these documents. Given the sensitive nature of the subject and the potential ramifications for contemporary Greek-Turkish relations, how do we navigate this complex historical landscape?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: Navigating this landscape requires careful scholarship and responsible discourse. It’s important to differentiate between historical analysis and political agendas. While the declassified documents provide valuable insights, they must be framed within broader regional dynamics and the historical grievances that have existed between Greece and Turkey. The timing of the declassification, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions, must also be considered.
Time.news Editor: That’s a critical point. Some sources have hinted at the shock within the EYP immediately following the invasion. Do you believe this reflects a broader failure of intelligence assessments at the time?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: It’s possible. The halt in documentation immediately after the invasion suggests a moment of confusion and perhaps disbelief within the agency. Intelligence failures often occur in situations where analysts are unable to accurately predict the actions of adversaries, especially in a rapidly escalating situation like this one. Understanding these failures is crucial for both historians and policymakers today.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, as you reflect on the declassification and its implications, what do you hope will come from this initiative for future generations who look back on this pivotal event?
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: I hope that this initiative ignites a more open dialogue about the complexities of our history. For future generations, understanding the past, including the mistakes made and the lessons learned, is vital for fostering a more peaceful co-existence. Transparency in historical records allows us to learn from our differences and perhaps seek resolutions to long-standing disputes more effectively.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Hatzivasileiou. Your insights are invaluable as we delve into this significant chapter of our collective history. We look forward to following the developments in this area.
Evanthis Hatzivasileiou: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.