Christodoulides urges UK to consider Cyprus security over British bases

New York, United States. President Nikos Christodoulides urged British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to give serious consideration to Cyprus’ relations with neighbouring states when making decisions on the use of the British bases on the island.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the issue was raised during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, amid reports that British military support for Saudi Arabia could operate from a base in Cyprus.

Cyprus security concerns

Letymbiotis said Christodoulides reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus is not involved in military operations.

He said the President stressed that the security of Cyprus, its population and states in the region must be seriously considered when decisions are taken regarding the British bases.

UK support for Saudi Arabia

The talks took place less than 24 hours after the United Kingdom accepted a request from Saudi Arabia for assistance in its war with Yemen’s Houthi movement. Reports said the assistance would be provided from British bases in Cyprus.

Saudi Arabia’s request followed the Houthis’ expansion of control over much of Yemen’s western coast and renewed bombing raids on Saudi oil infrastructure, including the key east-west pipeline.

The British government confirmed on Tuesday morning that it would provide additional defensive military support to Saudi Arabia following renewed Houthi attacks and escalating violence in the region.

It said the support would include an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to support Saudi defensive activity in support of Yemen’s legitimate government.

Reports on Akrotiri

The Financial Times reported that the British support for Saudi Arabia would operate from a UK base in Cyprus. The report indicated that the Akrotiri air force base near Limassol was likely to serve as the launch point.

The Cyprus Mail contacted the British defence ministry to ask whether Cyprus would be used as the launchpad for the support. The ministry said it would not provide commentary on operational detail.

Future of the bases

Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian-made drone on March 2. Later that month, Christodoulides said before a European Council summit that Cyprus would have an open and frank discussion with the British government on the future of the bases.

The European Council subsequently said it was ready to assist the Cypriot government in discussions on the bases’ future and acknowledged Cyprus’ intention to begin discussions with the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom has maintained that the status of the bases is not open to negotiation.