Makarios announces in January that while enosis remains desirable it is no longer feasible in the prevailing circumstances: independence is the only practical solution. He is also concerned that Greece might be satisfied with some form of ‘double enosis’, whereby Turkey takes control of Turkish Cypriot areas. With the economy doing well out of independence, and Greece now ruled by a right-wing military dictatorship, most Greek Cypriots support Makarios’ new policy of independence – even if they still feel Greek. Makarios also has backing from the large communist party, Akel.

Seeking a fresh mandate, Makarios calls elections to be held in February 1968 and secures 95.45 per cent of the vote, trouncing his only rival who ran on a platform for enosis.

Makarios appoints Glafcos Clerides, president of the House of Representatives, to hold UN-sponsored talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash which open in Beirut in June.