EU leaders vow to support Cyprus in talks over future of British bases | Cyprus
EU leaders have vowed to stand behind Cyprus, which wants an “open and frank debate” on the future of British bases on the island, which has become a target following the outbreak of the latest Middle East crisis.
Ahead of the EU summit on Thursday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said he wanted “an open and frank discussion with the British government” on the status and future of British bases on the island.
He called the bases a “colonial outcome” but refused to say whether he wanted them gone, saying Cyprus had an “open approach” and would not negotiate publicly.
“We have more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens in British bases; we have responsibility for these people and we will have open and frank discussions with the British government when the situation in the Middle East is over.”
Covering an area of 256 square kilometers (99 square miles), the Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases remained sovereign territory of the United Kingdom when Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The British government uses these as training areas and staging points for operations in the region.
As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Cyprus is increasingly concerned that the presence of British bases makes them a de facto target for Iran, which has long had troubled relations with Britain.
These fears were realized earlier this month, when an unmanned attack aircraft said to have been launched from Lebanon by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah crashed into the runway of RAF Akrotiri on March 2. The next day, two more drones heading towards the base were captured.
Following Christodoulides’ intervention, EU leaders approved a text on Thursday stating firm and unequivocal support for the member states closest to the Middle East. “The European Council recognizes Cyprus’ intention to initiate talks with the United Kingdom regarding UK bases in Cyprus and is ready to provide assistance where necessary.”
This language is a victory for Cyprus, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, as this language was not included in previous drafts.
The EU’s easternmost member state, a 20-minute flight from Lebanon, feels it does not receive enough support from the UK.
Royal Navy HMS Destroyer left Portsmouth for the Eastern Mediterranean last week, but critics said Britain should have a warship in the region as it became clear that Donald Trump was preparing a potential attack on Iran from the end of January.
France was among the first countries to respond to Cyprus’ request for military assistance, sending air defense systems, a frigate and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region.
