Nicosia, Cyprus. House President Annita Demetriou said the pursuit of a solution to the Cyprus problem aims to re-examine the island’s security and guarantees framework, including the role of the three guarantor powers. She spoke after meeting the United Kingdom’s minister of state for Europe, Stephen Doughty.
Guarantees and British bases
Demetriou said the future of the British bases was briefly discussed during the meeting. She said Cyprus has repeatedly stated that “the issue of security and guarantees should be re-examined,” adding that this is the purpose of pursuing a solution to the Cyprus problem.
The United Kingdom is one of Cyprus’ three guarantor powers and the only one to retain sovereign base areas on the island.
One of the island’s two British bases, the Akrotiri air force base near Limassol, was hit by an Iranian-made drone on March 2. The incident prompted all three guarantor powers—the UK, Greece and Turkey—and other countries to deploy large quantities of military assets to the island and its vicinity.
Tourism and perceptions of safety
Demetriou said the remainder of the meeting focused largely on tourism, and that the most important message conveyed by Doughty’s visit was to show that Cyprus is not in a war zone and is “moving forward normally”.
Doughty said the aircraft on which he flew to Paphos was “filled with many tourists who were coming to enjoy Cyprus, as always”.
Middle East conflict and security cooperation
Demetriou said she and Doughty discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the need for understanding between the two countries to intercept and confront threats and to provide security in Cyprus.
She added that Doughty’s presence was important and showed that Cyprus is safe and there is no reason for concern.
Cyprus problem raised in talks
Asked whether the Cyprus problem was discussed, Demetriou said the Cyprus issue is the primary concern.
What do you think should be prioritised in discussions on security and guarantees as part of a Cyprus settlement?