The UK's two military bases on Cyprus are a 'colonial consequence' on the island and talks on their status and future need to take place, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has told the BBC. 'When the situation is over in the Middle East we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government,' he said as he arrived for an EU leaders' summit in Brussels.
Under the 1960 treaty establishing Cypriot independence from Britain, the UK was given sovereignty of bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. However, RAF Akrotiri was targeted by drones this month shortly after the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, and the UK has faced some criticism for its response to the attack.
The drones are thought to have been fired from Lebanon by an Iranian-backed group, prompting protests that the British bases on the island have made Cyprus a target. While two of the drones were intercepted, a third hit Akrotiri, causing minimal damage. A British naval frigate dispatched in response is currently en route to the island.
The bases, which cover 98 square miles of Cyprus, provide significant employment and are home to more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens. Christodoulides emphasized his responsibility for their well-being and stated, 'We have a clear approach regarding the future of the British bases... I'm not going to negotiate publicly.'
In response to the President's remarks, the UK's Ministry of Defence pointed to ongoing military cooperation between the UK and Cyprus, which has reportedly never been closer, according to comments made by Defence Secretary John Healey. He visited RAF Akrotiri earlier this month, asserting that support from NATO allies reinforces the UK's presence on the island.
Under the 1960 treaty establishing Cypriot independence from Britain, the UK was given sovereignty of bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. However, RAF Akrotiri was targeted by drones this month shortly after the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, and the UK has faced some criticism for its response to the attack.
The drones are thought to have been fired from Lebanon by an Iranian-backed group, prompting protests that the British bases on the island have made Cyprus a target. While two of the drones were intercepted, a third hit Akrotiri, causing minimal damage. A British naval frigate dispatched in response is currently en route to the island.
The bases, which cover 98 square miles of Cyprus, provide significant employment and are home to more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens. Christodoulides emphasized his responsibility for their well-being and stated, 'We have a clear approach regarding the future of the British bases... I'm not going to negotiate publicly.'
In response to the President's remarks, the UK's Ministry of Defence pointed to ongoing military cooperation between the UK and Cyprus, which has reportedly never been closer, according to comments made by Defence Secretary John Healey. He visited RAF Akrotiri earlier this month, asserting that support from NATO allies reinforces the UK's presence on the island.
