1997
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On New Year's Day the NATO heads of state declare their support for the Polish government-in-exile, which consists of Polish emigrants. This is followed by a number of sporadic workers' rebellions, but most of the Polish Army remains loyal to the central government and open resistance is soon crushed. However, an underground movement is formed and in the spring small bands of partisans, strengthened by military deserters, begin to interfere with Warsaw Pact shipments and supply.
The continued Turkish success in Bulgaria during January awakens a wave of nationalism in Turkey, especially because Greece has remained neutral in the war. On Cyprus, which is officially unoccupied and has been united for three years, Turkish Cypriots demonstrate in favour of Turkey. These demonstrations soon turn into anti-Greek riots and the Cypriot Army begins to crack down on the unrest. Turkey responds by invading Cyprus and soon occupies most of the island. Greece sends its troops to the island against the Turks, declares war on Turkey and attacks the Turkish forces in Thrace.
At the end of February the socialist governments of Italy and Greece have signed a mutual defence treaty. According to the treaty Italy is not obligated to join the war, but its government declares the war to be a regional conflict which has nothing to do with other conflicts raging elsewhere. Italy promises to side with Greece should NATO alter the balance in Turkey's favour. A week later Greece declares a naval blockade against Turkey and warns commercial vessels that the Aegean Sea is now considered a war zone.
Russian and Czech forces attack in southern Germany in order to stabilize the situation, but they are too few in number for a successful operation. In the spring NATO's own offensive starts and the first German forces cross the Polish border in April. By 17 June Warsaw is besieged and the Polish Army units defending it prepare for the siege together with the city's inhabitants.
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To be continued
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