Protest erupts in Cyprus over UK military bases | World | News
Protesters have taken to the streets of the Cypriot capital calling for Britain to quit two military bases on the island. Around 300 people joined the action on Saturday, marching from the headquarters of the union Pasydy to the presidential palace.
Those taking part carried banners saying, “Cyprus is not your launchpad” and “British bases out”. There were chants of “Say it loud, say it clear, British bases out of here”. Campaign group, Afoa, which helped organise the protest, said Cypriots were being endangered by the war between the US, Israel and Iran. The group said in a statement: “We do not accept Cyprus being a base of war.”
The protest came after a drone hit RAF Akrotiri last Sunday (March 1). It reignited debate over whether the UK should continue its presence in Cyprus.
Protester, Natasha Theodotou, told the BBC: “We just want to have an independent Cyprus… Just as we’re occupied by the Turkish government we are occupied by the UK.”
Under a 1960 treaty, the UK operates bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus, which used to be a British colony.
The UK was criticised by allies over its defence of Cyprus in the wake of the drone strike, which is believed to have been launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Some argue that if the UK can’t defend its bases, then the country should give them up.
Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
The Cypriot foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, has said there are questions as to who should control the bases.
He called for discussions between London and Nicosia, telling the BBC: “Right now we have the British bases on the island. There are questions. There are issues. There are concerns.”
Mr Kombos hailed support from Greece, France and Spain, which have all sent military assets to the island. He stressed the base was targeted and not his country.
RAF Akrotiri supports British Armed Forces in Cyprus and operations in the region. Its reported use by US U-2 spy planes may account for its being targeted in the war.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has granted permission for “defensive” US action against Iranian missile sites from UK bases.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told the BBC this week has seen Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets fly sorties in the region, shooting down Iranian drones and defending innocent civilians from Iran’s indiscriminate attacks.
