Nicosia, Cyprus. Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace and the foreign ministry on Thursday afternoon, calling on Cyprus to cease cooperation with nations engaged in or supporting military strikes on Iran.
Protest groups and demands
Participants included members of United For Palestine, Anatropi, Neda, BDS Cyprus, Genocide-Free Cyprus, Far-Right Watch, and Voices for Peace. The demonstrators also called for the removal of the British bases from Cyprus.
Statements from organisers
Markos Economou of United For Palestine said the central message was that “this war is not happening because of a crazy leader of the world [meaning US President Donald Trump] who decided to attack Iran, but as part of US plans to control raw materials and especially oil across the globe”. He added that Cypriots have nothing to gain from what he described as a competition over resources.
Press release names leaders and countries
In a later press release, the groups said they demand from President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos that they cease any cooperation, military or otherwise, between Cyprus and Greece, the United States, Israel and all those who support the intervention in Iran.
Claims about risks and motivations
The statement said the “unjustified and merciless bombing of Iran” by the United States and its allies, which it listed as Israel, Britain and the EU, puts in danger the peoples of the Middle East and beyond. It added that “The US military intervention in Iran has nothing whatsoever to do with preventing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons or the lack of democracy, since lack of democracy is manifest in all the Gulf monarchies, especially Saudi Arabia as well as the Israeli apartheid state.”
Further protest planned
Organisers said another demonstration outside the presidential palace is being planned for Saturday.
What steps, if any, should Cyprus take in response to the protesters’ demands?
