ECtHR fines Turkey €90 M for Cyprus intervention in 1974

Strasbourg, France — Europe's top court on Monday ordered Turkey to pay 90 million euros ($123 million) to Cyprus over the 1974 invasion of the island and its subsequent division, in one of the largest judgments in its history.

The decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) said the passage of time did not erase responsibility in the case, ruling that Turkey must pay 30 million euros in damages to relatives of those missing in the operations and 60 million euros in damages for "the enclaved Greek-Cypriot residents of the Karpas peninsula."

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded after a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state that was proclaimed in the north of the island.

The judgment comes as the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities are engaged in a new effort to reunite the island.

The court said it would be up to the government of Cyprus to determine how to award the damages.