"We have more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens within the British bases; we have responsibility for those people and when the situation is over in the Middle East, we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government."
"The Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases, comprising 256 sq km (99 sq miles), remained UK sovereign territory when Cyprus became independent in 1960. The British government uses them as training areas and staging posts for operations in the region."
"As tensions in the Middle East have escalated, Cyprus has been increasingly concerned the presence of the British bases made them a de-facto target for Iran, which has long had fraught relations with the UK."
Cyprus's president Nikos Christodoulides has called for open discussions with the British government regarding the status and future of the Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases, which remain UK sovereign territory since Cyprus's independence in 1960. The bases have become security concerns following escalating Middle East tensions, particularly after Iranian-backed drone attacks targeted RAF Akrotiri in March. Cyprus emphasizes responsibility for over 10,000 Cypriot citizens within the bases and plans formal negotiations once Middle East situations stabilize. EU leaders have endorsed Cyprus's position, providing support for these discussions. The bases serve as British training areas and regional operation staging posts, but their presence increasingly concerns Cyprus regarding potential Iranian retaliation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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