Calls for post-conflict review
President Nikos Christodoulides described the British bases in Cyprus as a “colonial remnant” on Wednesday, calling for an open discussion on their future once the ongoing Middle East conflict concludes.
Speaking at an event in Brussels, he noted that beyond the geopolitical dimension, the presence of over 10,000 Cypriots living on the bases requires the Republic of Cyprus to uphold responsibilities toward them.
Cooperation and contrasting views
Christodoulides highlighted the positive level of cooperation between the British and Cypriot governments, citing the visit of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to the island last year.
His comments contrast sharply with those of UK Deputy Defence Minister Alok Sharma, who stated in the House of Commons that the future of the bases “is not under question.” The discussion followed UK visits by Defence Secretary John Healy and highlighted close ties with the Cypriot National Guard.
Growing local and political concerns
Concerns over the bases’ presence intensified after a drone strike targeted Akrotiri Air Base on March 2. AKEL Secretary-General Stefanos Stefanou reiterated calls for base removal, emphasizing that Cyprus should not become a war outpost.
Opposition voices from the Turkish Cypriot community also echoed these sentiments, with CTP Deputy Leader Asim Akansoy calling the continued British control of two sovereign bases “a major historical mistake.”
Cyprus Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kompos warned that the bases could become targets in regional conflicts, while Christodoulides stated that “nothing is excluded” regarding their future.
Also read: Guterres meets Christodoulides on Cyprus peace talks
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