In a recent statement made to the BBC, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides characterized the UK's military bases in Cyprus as remnants of colonialism, asserting that a genuine dialogue about their status is necessary. He stated, 'When the situation is over in the Middle East, we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government.'
These bases, originally established under the 1960 treaty granting Cyprus independence from Britain, have faced scrutiny following a drone attack at RAF Akrotiri, attributed to Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces. The president underscored that protests have arisen, with many feeling the British bases have made Cyprus a strategic target.
Despite the UK deploying additional naval support to the region following the strike, Christodoulides maintained that the presence of these bases warrants careful consideration regarding the safety of the more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens residing and working within them. He refrained from publicly discussing the potential removal of the bases, indicating that these discussions would occur privately in the future.
UK officials, including Defence Secretary John Healey, emphasized the importance of military cooperation and reassured that Cyprus remains a crucial ally in the region.
These bases, originally established under the 1960 treaty granting Cyprus independence from Britain, have faced scrutiny following a drone attack at RAF Akrotiri, attributed to Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces. The president underscored that protests have arisen, with many feeling the British bases have made Cyprus a strategic target.
Despite the UK deploying additional naval support to the region following the strike, Christodoulides maintained that the presence of these bases warrants careful consideration regarding the safety of the more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens residing and working within them. He refrained from publicly discussing the potential removal of the bases, indicating that these discussions would occur privately in the future.
UK officials, including Defence Secretary John Healey, emphasized the importance of military cooperation and reassured that Cyprus remains a crucial ally in the region.
