Cyprus leader calls for frank discussion on 'colonial' UK bases

"When the situation is over in the Middle East we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government. We have a clear approach with regard to the future of the British bases... I'm not going to negotiate publicly."

"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. Under the 1960 treaty establishing Cypriot independence from Britain, the UK was given sovereignty of bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia."

"We have more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens within the British bases. We have responsibility for those people. The drones are thought to have been fired from Lebanon by Iranian-backed group Hezbollah and protesters have complained that the British bases on the island have made Cyprus a target."

Cyprus's President Nikos Christodoulides has characterized the UK's two military bases on Cyprus as a "colonial consequence" and indicated plans for discussions with the British government about their future status. The bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia were granted to the UK under the 1960 treaty establishing Cypriot independence. Recently, RAF Akrotiri was targeted by drones believed fired by Iranian-backed Hezbollah from Lebanon, with one drone causing minimal damage. The attack prompted criticism that the British bases have made Cyprus a target. Christodoulides emphasized that over 10,000 Cypriot citizens work within the bases, representing significant employment and responsibility. The UK has granted the US permission to use the bases for specific defensive operations. Christodoulides stated he would not negotiate publicly about the bases' future but indicated talks would occur once Middle East tensions subside.

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