Nicosia, Cyprus. Discussions between Cyprus and the United Kingdom on the future of the British sovereign base areas are expected to begin once regional tensions ease, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The comments come amid heightened security concerns following last month’s drone strike on RAF Akrotiri and growing public debate over the presence and role of the bases on the island.
Preparations and timeline
The source said preparatory work is already underway on the issues Cyprus intends to raise, with efforts focused on shaping both the agenda and the structure of the talks.
The source added that the talks are not expected to be delayed in starting.
Scope and pace of talks
The source said the pace and scope of progress remain uncertain, noting that while multiple issues may require improvement, not all are expected to be discussed from the outset.
The source said talks would likely begin with matters that are easier to resolve, with the process evolving over time, and cautioned that the overall process is unlikely to conclude quickly, while not ruling out early outcomes on specific issues.
Technical issues and antenna systems
Among the issues expected to feature are technical or procedural matters, including longstanding concerns such as the installation and regulation of antenna systems within the bases.
The source cited antennas as an example of an issue that, while not the most significant, still requires procedures to be addressed.
Notification on new antenna installation
It was confirmed on Sunday that the United Kingdom informed the government of its intention to install a cluster of 32 antennas at RAF Akrotiri, covering a range of up to 340 square kilometres.
Previous understandings
The source also referred to understandings reached in 2014 between then-president Nicos Anastasiades and former UK prime minister David Cameron, which included measures aimed at easing restrictions affecting Cypriot communities within the base areas, and said these were never fully implemented.
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