Nicosia, Cyprus. The government on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom over the absence of what it described as clear and timely assurances that British bases on the island would be used only for humanitarian activity. The reaction followed an overnight drone strike at the Akrotiri base.
Government reaction after national council meeting
Speaking after an extended meeting of the national council, government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said Nicosia had expected unequivocal clarification from Whitehall, particularly after statements made by the UK prime minister, but found the messaging insufficient.
“It is something that we view with dissatisfaction,” Letymbiotis said.
He added that despite assurances given in the UK prime minister’s address, there was no clear clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus would not be used under any circumstances for any reason other than humanitarian activity.
Security assessment and briefings
The issue was discussed in detail during the national council meeting, convened to assess the security situation following the drone strike at RAF Akrotiri and to evaluate the government’s response.
President Nikos Christodoulides briefed political leaders on developments, measures taken to protect the population, and ongoing diplomatic contacts.
UK clarification and Cyprus position
Letymbiotis said the government was subsequently informed of a clarifying position from the UK foreign secretary, while stressing that Cyprus’ stance had been communicated consistently at all levels.
He said information received through multiple communications and at various levels had been clear that the British Bases would have a strictly humanitarian role.
Letymbiotis said Cyprus’ message, conveyed through actions over decades, is that the Republic of Cyprus is a humanitarian hub.
Next steps and communication issues
Letymbiotis confirmed further steps would be taken both diplomatically and institutionally to convey Nicosia’s dissatisfaction, not only regarding the content of London’s public statements but also over communication failures affecting residents living near the bases.
How do you assess the government’s response to the UK’s public statements and communication over the British bases?
