Cyprus president Nikos Christodulidis stated on Thursday that British military bases on the island are a "colonial consequence", and after the conflict in the mediate East, a discussion on their position and future will be needed.
The United Kingdom retained 2 military bases in Cyprus - Akrotiri and Dhekelia - under the 1960 treaty granting island independence. The bases and adjacent areas - a full of 254 square kilometres - have the position of British overseas territory. At the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, 1 of these bases, RAF Akrotiri, was attacked by drones, which is believed to have been launched from Lebanon's territory by the pro-Iran Hezbollah organization.
The president pointed out that over 10,000 Cypriot citizens live in an area under British sovereignty. “We are liable for these people,” he said.
The BBC station notes that the bases are a crucial employer for the people of Cyprus, and possible discussions on their future would be complicated due to the fact that they would should be attended not only by representatives of the United Kingdom and both Cypriot, Greek and Turkish communities, but besides by representatives of Greece and Turkey as parties to the 1960 Treaty.
AB, PAP
