Akrotiri, Cyprus. Kourion mayor Pantelis Georgiou on Tuesday said he believes there is an elevated cancer risk linked to communications antennae in the British Akrotiri base area, after the United Kingdom announced plans to install 32 new antennae.
Claims of increased cancer cases
Speaking to television channel Alpha, Georgiou said residents in Akrotiri report that most households have someone in their close circle with cancer and that this has increased drastically in recent years. He said concerns were also raised when the large “Pluto” antenna was installed at the base in 2001.
Reference to past agreement on epidemiological studies
Georgiou said the UK had agreed with the Republic of Cyprus that an epidemiological study would be conducted every 10 years on the effects of electromagnetic radiation on cancers. He said a study took place in 2009 but has not been repeated since.
Temporary antennae and replacement plans
Georgiou said the UK informed the Akrotiri village council in 2018 that 18 temporary antennae would be installed and then removed in 2025, but the antennae remain in place. He said that when the municipality raised the fact they had not been removed, it was told the new antennae must be installed before the existing ones can be removed.
Land ownership and committee on expropriation
He said the planned installation site is on land belonging to Akrotiri residents and that a committee has been formed to examine expropriation plans. He said the committee includes himself, Akrotiri deputy mayor George Konstantinou, and representatives of central government departments.
Number of new antennae and phased timetable
Georgiou said the committee was initially told the 18 temporary antennae would be replaced by 20 new ones, but that this changed to 32 on Friday. He said officials stated removal would occur in a second phase starting in 2028 and ending in 2034, and that there is a third phase concerning another part of the system about which the committee has not been informed.
Legal review
Georgiou said the municipality is recruiting a constitutional lawyer to examine the UK’s plans for the new antennae.
What steps should be taken to address residents’ concerns about health risks and the planned antennae installations?
