Cyprus leader calls for frank discussion on 'colonial' UK bases

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete March 19, 2026 at 12:05 PM

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Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the UK's military bases on Cyprus are a "colonial consequence" and require future discussion. The UK maintains sovereignty over bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia since Cyprus's independence in 1960. Recently, RAF Akrotiri was targeted by drones, believed to be fired from Lebanon by Hezbollah, leading to protests and concerns that the bases make Cyprus a target. While the bases haven't been used for US operations against Iran, the UK has granted the US permission for specific defensive operations. Christodoulides emphasized the responsibility for the 10,000 Cypriot citizens within the bases and acknowledged the complexity of any negotiations due to the multiple parties involved in the founding agreements.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Lebanon 30% Hezbollah 40% Ministry of Defence 40% Iran ×250% John Healey ×250% BBC ×250% RAF Akrotiri ×360% Dhekelia ×260% Akrotiri ×570% UK ×780% Nikos Christodoulides ×390% Cyprus ×8100%

Keywords

uk bases cyprus 100% raf akrotiri 90% nikos christodoulides 80% sovereign bases 70% colonial consequence 70% drone attack 70% british government 60% akrotiri and dhekelia 60% military cooperation 50% treaty 40%