Malta (Great Nuclear War)

The Republic of Cyprus is an Island Country located in the Mediterrean based on an arcapeligo of three islands, to the south of Italy and north of Libya.

Prelude to the Great Nuclear War
Previously to the Great Nuclear War, Malta had good relations with the UK. Indeed, in 1956 it had held a referendum on joining the UK directly and voted in favour, though the plans were never carried out. However, by 1962 there were talks of Independenece

Great Nuclear War
The Great Nuclear War did not affect Malta directly. Indeed, the closest strikes were over a thousand kilometers away, and the Islands were surrounded by the sea, preventing any radiation possibly reaching the islands. However, the Islands were to be greatly affected. Immediately contact was lost with the home country of the UK, and only sketchy contact was maintained between a new government in Sicily, Libya and Gibraltar. Immediately the task of feeding the local populace was needed, and the government quickly seized control of many of the fishing boats and began farming techniques, leading to prosperity and peace for the next few years.

Arrival of the British Troops
See also:   Battle of Cyprus

However, the relative stability was not to last. In 1968 the Nationalist Francoist Spain invaded the previously British Crown Colony of Gibraltar. Whilst the local forces put up a great resistance, many of their forces where on expeditions attempting to find out what had happened, and Gibraltar had too lost contact with the UK. With that, the remaining British Troops and thousands of Gibraltans evacuated The Rock and, fearing persecution, fled to Malta. Here they were welcomed, and whilst there was a strain on resources, the new troops helped work in food, and trade links were set up with Sicily.

Independence
By 1970, it had become apparent from the Gibraltans and other reports that no help would be coming from Great Britain, and on the 28th May Maltese and Military Leaders met in Valetta to discuss the future of the nation. It was decided that Malta would have to declare its independence, and start afresh. As such, on the 21st September 1970 the new Constitution of Malta was signed in Valetta, establishing the Republic of Malta.

Second British Wave
See also: Turkish Invasion of Cyprus