Cyprus voices dissatisfaction with UK over British bases assurances

The government publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom on Monday over the absence of what it described as “clear and timely assurances” that the British bases on the island would not be used for any purpose other than humanitarian activity, following the overnight drone strike at the Akrotiri base.

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 lamented.

“Despite the assurances given in yesterday’s address by the prime minister of the United Kingdom, there was no clear clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus would not under any circumstances be used for any reason other than humanitarian.”

The issue was discussed in detail during the national council meeting, which was 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, the measures taken to protect the population and ongoing diplomatic contacts.

Letymbiotis said the government had subsequently been informed of a clarifying position from the UK foreign secretary but stressed that Cyprus’ stance had been communicated consistently at all levels.

“The information we had, through many communications and at various levels, was clear, that the British Bases would have a strictly humanitarian role,” he stressed.

“The message we send in every direction, not only rhetorically but through our actions over decades, is that the Republic of Cyprus is a humanitarian hub. This is what we want to project, and this is what we serve.”

He confirmed that 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.

“There was no timely information residing in the areas adjacent to the bases,” Letymbiotis decried.

“This is an issue that concerns us seriously, and it is part of what we will address.”

Asked to comment on remarks by former attorney-general Costas Clerides, who suggested that Cyprus has legal grounds to request a renegotiation of the status and operating conditions of the British bases, Letymbiotis did not exclude any options.

“In this context, we do not rule out anything,” he said.

The spokesperson emphasised that Cyprus was not participating, and does not intend to participate, in any military operation.

“Our country did not take part and will not take part in military actions,” he reiterated, expressing the president’s position that the government’s primary concern is the public safety of and national stability.

Letymbiotis also confirmed that the national security council remains in continuous session and that it had met in person at the presidential palace shortly after midnight following the incident.

“There was an extensive exchange of views on the measures being taken and their prioritisation,” he said, adding that all available protocols had been activated.

He said the origin of the drone remains under investigation and urged a responsible and sober approach to the situation.

“We are approaching this with seriousness and calm, while all necessary measures continue to be evaluated on a daily basis.”

Letymbiotis informed that coordination with British authorities and international partners is ongoing, while diplomatic contacts between the president and the foreign minister are continuous.

“Our message remains clear,” he affirmed.

“We are strictly committed to humanitarian assistance. All steps will be taken to ensure this position is understood, respected and clearly communicated.”