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When Jimmy Carter was elected president of the United States in 1976, Greek Cypriots had reason to be hopeful. During his campaign, he made strong statements in support of Cyprus, promising to work towards a just and swift solution to the island’s political crisis. The optimism among Cypriots, especially Greek Cypriot refugees still reeling from the aftermath of the Turkish invasion of 1974, was palpable. Many believed that Carter’s victory would be the key to resolving the long-standing issue of Turkish occupation in Cyprus. However, the reality of his presidency proved to be far more disappointing for those who had pinned their hopes on his promises.
According to Kathimerini's Apostolos Kouroupakis, Carter’s remarks during his election campaign had been clear and pointed. He made strong statements about the Cyprus problem, saying that for Greece and Turkey to remain strong allies of the United States, there needed to be a “just and speedy settlement” of the situation in Cyprus. He specifically referenced the United Nations’ November 1, 1974, resolution, which called for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Cyprus and the return of refugees to their homes. This resonated strongly with the Greek Cypriot community, who had been displaced by the Turkish invasion.
Fifty years after the Turkish invasion and the coup that preceded it, the feelings of betrayal that many Greek Cypriots experienced remain fresh.
In the aftermath of his victory, many Greek Cypriots believed that Carter would be the one to bring them justice. The Greek Cypriot press, including newspapers like Simerini, echoed this sentiment, confidently asserting that Carter’s election would contribute to a fair resolution of the Cyprus problem. “He could not dishonor the promises made after the election,” the paper wrote, expressing the widespread belief that the new American president would live up to his campaign rhetoric.
However, not everyone shared this enthusiasm. Some skeptics, including political commentators like Fifi Ioannou, warned that Carter’s promises might not materialize. The Phileleftheros columnist voiced concerns about Carter’s commitment, remarking that the American president-elect might be over-promising and that the Greek Cypriot community should remain cautious. Meanwhile, a Turkish Cypriot newspaper raised questions about the sincerity of Carter’s “philhellenic” stance, pointing out that he had not clearly outlined his policy on Cyprus during his campaign and often framed the issue as one for Greece and Turkey to resolve within a NATO context.
Despite the cautionary voices, the overwhelming mood in Cyprus after Carter’s election was one of hope. There was a sense of relief, particularly among the refugees, who had suffered deeply since the invasion. Reports from Phileleftheros noted that Greek Cypriots were so overjoyed by Carter’s victory that they took to the streets, ringing church bells in celebration. One particularly memorable anecdote involved the bells ringing in Nicosia and Limassol, with the sounds signaling joy at the political change, though some humorously claimed the bells were ringing to mark the “burial” of former U.S. officials like Henry Kissinger, whom they blamed for the lack of progress on Cyprus under the previous administration.
Carter’s promises created a surge of optimism, even among the refugees, who saw his election as a new beginning. The Voice of the Cypriot People even hailed him as the “Messiah of Cypriot Freedom.” They felt that Carter’s election could be their salvation, especially as he had received significant support from the Greek-American community, who had been vocal in their opposition to the policies of the previous administration.
As Carter’s inauguration approached in January 1977, the optimism continued to grow. There were hopes that the new president would push forward a solution for Cyprus, and demonstrations were held in support of his stance. Some Greek Cypriots went so far as to offer symbolic gestures of gratitude, such as sending photos of their families with signs that read, “He promised to help Cyprus,” a testament to their belief in Carter’s pledge.
Unfortunately, as time passed, those hopes began to fade. Despite Carter’s campaign promises, his presidency did not bring the much-anticipated resolution to the Cyprus problem. The U.S. did not take the bold action that many Greek Cypriots had expected. The promised resolution for Cyprus never came, and the island remained divided, with the Turkish occupation continuing to affect the lives of many Cypriots. For those who had celebrated Carter’s election as a beacon of hope, the outcome was deeply disappointing.
Fifty years after the Turkish invasion and the coup that preceded it, the feelings of betrayal that many Greek Cypriots experienced remain fresh. As the poet Solomou wrote, “My unhappy people, good and beloved, always trusting and always betrayed.” Carter’s failure to deliver on his promises left a bitter taste, especially for those who had believed that he would be the catalyst for change. The Cypriot community learned, once again, that international promises often fail to lead to tangible results, and the dream of a reunited Cyprus remained out of reach.
Carter’s death in December 2024, at the age of 100, brought the memory of this unfulfilled promise back into the spotlight. While Carter is remembered for many achievements during his presidency, his broken promises on Cyprus continue to linger as a reminder of how high expectations can lead to deep disappointment when political realities do not align with hopes.
*This article has been translated and summarized from its Greek original. To read more of Apostolos Kouroupakis's article and gain full access to in-depth reports (in Greek), subscribe now to Kathimerini's print edition and stay informed with comprehensive coverage on this and more!
