Akrotiri, Cyprus. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said an Iranian-made drone that hit the island earlier in the week was aimed at the UK’s Akrotiri air force base and not at the Republic of Cyprus.
Government position on the incident
Speaking on Sky News on Friday, Kombos said Cyprus “was not targeted in any way because of geography” and added that “it is a British base that has been targeted.” He said the drone, which struck the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri base in the early hours of Monday, had been aimed squarely at it.
Cyprus’ role and humanitarian efforts
Kombos said Cyprus has not been involved in military offensive operations and described the country’s role as facilitating humanitarian efforts. He cited the government’s ‘Estia’ plan, under which citizens of European Union and third countries are evacuated from crisis regions to their countries of origin via Cyprus. He said Cyprus has supported evacuations and assisted people moving from dangerous zones.
Dialogue with the United Kingdom
Kombos said the UK has responsibilities in relation to its bases and that Cyprus had expressed its “views,” “concerns,” “questions,” and “dissatisfaction.” He added that Cyprus has “a very active dialogue with the UK,” and said in recent days that dialogue has taken place “at all levels, from the prime minister, my level, and the technical level, as well.”
Coordination with partners
Kombos said the priority was to get through the crisis together, adding that Cyprus has the support of European partners and that the government is working with the United Kingdom. He said that after the crisis ends, it would be possible to reflect calmly on what happened, what could have happened, and what could be happening.
What do you think Cyprus’ next steps should be in its dialogue with the United Kingdom over the Akrotiri base?