Summary
The President of Cyprus wants to discuss the status of UK military bases on the island, viewing them as remnants of colonial times. These talks are proposed following a drone attack on one of the bases, which was linked to regional tensions. Cyprus hosts two UK bases as part of a 1960 treaty, but this has raised concerns among locals about security risks.
Key Facts
- Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides called for talks with the UK about its military bases on the island.
- The UK has two sovereign military bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, on Cyprus since a 1960 treaty.
- The bases are seen by some as a "colonial consequence" of British rule.
- A recent drone attack targeted RAF Akrotiri, linked to the Middle East tensions, raising security concerns.
- The drones were believed to be launched by Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group, from Lebanon.
- The UK's military response included sending a naval ship to Cyprus.
- President Christodoulides mentioned the presence of over 10,000 Cypriots within these British bases.
- Discussions on the bases' future could involve multiple parties, including Greece, Turkey, and Cypriot communities.
