Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus will seek a reassessment of the future of the British bases once the current regional crisis subsides, stating that “everything is on the table” in discussions with the United Kingdom.
Reassessment plans and talks with the UK
In an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday, Christodoulides said that while Cyprus is not directly involved in the conflict, it is affected due to its geographic position and role in the region.
“We are part of the region, but we are in no way involved in this crisis,” he said, adding that Cyprus continues to function as “a stable, safe and fully functional hub for business, investment and tourism.”
Christodoulides said recent developments had already led to direct communication with London. “I already had a discussion with the Prime Minister about some developments that we saw and did not like in terms of the management of this crisis,” he said.
He said a broader reassessment would follow when conditions allow. “When it is over, we need to put everything on the table, discuss and decide together on the future of the bases.”
Comments on the bases and domestic concerns
Christodoulides reiterated earlier remarks describing the bases as “a remnant of colonialism,” and said Cyprus has responsibilities toward more than 10,000 Cypriots living within the base areas.
He also addressed risks to the republic, saying, “we do not want our country to be a target.”
What outcomes do you think Cyprus and the United Kingdom should prioritize in future talks on the bases?