Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou called for the abolition of the British bases in Cyprus, saying their presence has made the island a target. His remarks followed statements by British and Cypriot officials and a reported drone strike near the Akrotiri base.
Stefanou’s call at International Women’s Day event
Stefanou said his party has been calling for the abolition of the bases for decades and argued that Cyprus “is not and does not want to become a war base.” He said Cyprus does not want to be involved in the war and supports international calls for an immediate end to hostilities and for diplomacy to prevail.
Statements by Sunak and Kombos
His comments came after former British prime minister Rishi Sunak said Cyprus “is only a target because of our sovereign bases there.” Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said the government had “consistently” warned the bases could become a target if regional conflict escalated, describing this as a concern communicated repeatedly.
Drone strike near Akrotiri
Kombos said the outcome of those conversations was reflected in what happened on Sunday night, after the Akrotiri air force base near Limassol was hit by an Iranian-made drone shortly after midnight last Monday.
Protest in Nicosia and political reactions
A protest in Nicosia on Saturday demanded the removal of the British bases, which were not ceded to the Republic of Cyprus when the island gained independence in 1960. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday that “nothing has been ruled out” regarding the bases’ future following the drone strike, while other political circles have expressed discontent over their continued operation.
Bicommunal opposition
Opposition was also reflected in comments by Turkish Cypriot opposition party CTP deputy leader Asim Akansoy, who said the UK’s continued possession of two sovereign bases on the island is “a great mistake of history.”
Do you think the future of the British bases in Cyprus should be reconsidered after the reported drone strike?
