LONDON (AP) — Cyprus, a small, divided island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, has played an outsized role throughout history because of its status as a jewel coveted by much bigger powers. Reunification talks on the island are at a critical juncture, with top officials from Britain, Greece, and Turkey joining the meeting in Geneva on Thursday to tackle the thorny issue of security. From the middle of the 7th century, Cyprus suffered wave after wave of Arab raids before the Byzantine emperor re-established a firm grip toward the end of the millennium. In the 12th century, Cyprus was embroiled in the Crusades, becoming a launching pad for Christian armies aiming to reclaim the Holy Lands, including those from England's King Richard I. In 1878, the British took control of the island in exchange for military aid in the Ottomans' fight with Russia. Britain transformed Cyprus, introducing its legal code and customs like driving on the left side of the road. A guerrilla campaign forced Britain out and Cyprus became independent in 1960. By 1963, the acrimony between pro-union Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots had turned to violence. Greek Cypriots say enough territory must be returned to their control but Turkish Cypriots want to limit the amount, for telling their people to leave what they have considered home for decades is unlikely to go down well.
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