The UK's two military bases on Cyprus are a colonial consequence on the island and talks on their status and future need to take place, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has told the BBC.
When the situation is over in the Middle East we are going to have an open and frank discussion with the British government, he said as he arrived for an EU leaders' summit in Brussels.
Under the 1960 treaty establishing Cypriot independence from Britain, the UK was given sovereignty over bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
However, RAF Akrotiri was targeted by drones this month shortly after the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, prompting criticism of the UK’s handling of the attack.
The drones are believed to have been fired from Lebanon by the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, with protesters arguing that the British bases have made Cyprus a target.
While two drones were intercepted, a third struck Akrotiri, causing minimal damage. In response, the UK dispatched a naval frigate to the island.
The two sovereign bases account for 98 square miles (254 square km) and are vital for local employment, hosting over 10,000 Cypriots.
President Christodoulides emphasized that any future discussions regarding the British bases would not be held publicly, while acknowledging the UK’s ongoing military collaboration in the region.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has reassured that military cooperation with Cyprus remains strong despite the challenges.
