Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has strong legal arguments that could support revisiting the issue of the British bases within the framework of modern international law, participants at a discussion organised by the Cyprus Bar Association heard. The event brought together academics, legal experts and government officials to examine the legal status and future of the British bases in Cyprus amid renewed public debate.
Discussion findings
The Cyprus Bar Association said on Monday that participants concluded Cyprus was in a position to engage “with confidence and legal documentation” in any future dialogue or negotiations concerning the British bases “as a sovereign and equal state”.
The discussion also resulted in the adoption of a formal resolution on the issue, which the association said reflected its institutional position and was intended to contribute to the wider public debate that has developed in recent months.
Statements from officials
In his opening remarks, Cyprus Bar Association president Michalis Vorkas said that the historical memory and sacrifices of the Cypriot people required the continued study and assertion of the Republic of Cyprus’ rights, guided by international law and justice.
Deputy Migration Minister Nicolas Ioannides, referring both to the historical and legal dimensions of the issue and to recent international developments, said the government’s objective was to conduct “a structured dialogue within the framework of international law”.
Legal issues raised
According to the bar association, discussions highlighted that any analysis of the British bases issue required consideration of multiple areas of international law, including treaty law, customary international law, decolonisation processes, the right to self-determination and recent developments concerning peremptory norms of international law, known as jus cogens.
Participants also discussed the use of the term “sovereign bases”, arguing that the United Kingdom exercises only administrative powers over the areas and solely for military purposes.
This, they said, raised serious legal questions regarding the compatibility of the existing arrangements with contemporary international law.
Treaty of Establishment
The discussion further concluded that any potential renegotiation of the Treaty of Establishment would not place the sovereignty or international legal personality of the Republic of Cyprus at risk, contrary to arguments occasionally put forward in public debate.
