Cyprus goes to have an ‘open and frank dialogue’ with the UK Authorities, its chief says.
Cyprus’s President Nikos Christodoulides says there must be a frank dialogue on the bases (Picture: Getty)
The way forward for Britain’s bases on Cyprus has been referred to as into query after the chief of the island nation stated there will probably be an “open and frank” dialogue with the UK Authorities on their remaining. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides voiced his bombshell remarks as he arrived at a European Council summit in Brussels on Thursday (March 19).
Mr Christodoulides stated the Cypriots have a “clear” strategy to the way forward for RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia. He stated: “The British bases in Cyprus are one thing that may be a colonial consequence. We have now greater than 10,000 Cypriot residents throughout the British bases.”
He’s reported by the Cyprus Mail as including: “We have now a accountability to these individuals and when the scenario within the Center East ends, we’re going to have an open and frank dialogue with the British Authorities.”
The Cypriot chief refused to be drawn on whether or not he needed the bases faraway from the island, saying he wouldn’t negotiate in public.
His feedback got here after a drone strike hit RAF Akrotiri within the wake of the US-Israeli assault on Iran. There have been no casualties within the incident on the base close to Limassol and harm was described as “minimal” by officers.
The strike got here hours after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated the UK had allowed the US to strike Iranian missile websites from British bases.
Two extra unmanned drones have been intercepted as they headed in the direction of the identical base on March 2. Households dwelling on the base have been moved into momentary lodging as a precaution.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated the assault on Akrotiri was an instance of the “harmful and indiscriminate assaults” by Iran and its proxies.
RAF Akrotiri is the biggest Royal Air Pressure base outdoors Britain (Picture: Getty)
RAF Akrotiri is the biggest RAF base outdoors the UK, with greater than 3,500 personnel, supporting British operations within the Center East.
Storm jets primarily based at Akrotiri shot down Iranian drones fired at Israel in April 2024. It has been used as a base to allow jets to hold out strikes and patrols in Syria and Iraq as a part of Operation Shader.
The bottom has additionally supported evacuation flights, together with serving to individuals go away Sudan throughout preventing in 2023.
After the drone strikes earlier this month, France introduced it could ship a frigate and air defence programs to Cyprus to assist shield the EU nation.
The UK Authorities stated it could ship Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan to the area amid criticism it lacked air defence, however the vessel spent days in port earlier than setting out for Cyprus.
Britain has sovereignty over the bases beneath a 1960 treaty establishing the independence of Cyprus, which had been a part of the British Empire since 1914.
A separate treaty signed in 1960 obliged Greece, Turkey and the UK to ensure the independence, territorial integrity and safety of Cyprus.
Mr Christodoulides unequivocally declared Cyprus as pro-Western and pro-US after the nation had for years steered away from taking sides in any regional battle.
The US-educated Cypriot chief has positioned the island nation as a bridge between the EU and Center East.
After the RAF Akrotiri drone strike, Mr Christodoulides has taken pains to emphasize that his nation “has not, shouldn’t be and won’t participate in any navy motion”.
However the UK’s bases in Cyprus have solid a shadow over Cypriot authorities coverage.
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The standing of the bases beforehand gained consideration amid claims they have been used to host US forces or present gear or logistical help to Israel in its struggle with Hamas in Gaza.
Britain has insisted the bases have been used to help the supply of humanitarian assist to Gaza and to not funnel navy gear to Israel.
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