S Cyprus Proposes Technical Committee On British Bases And Awaits London’s Response

RoC President Nikos Christodoulides has conveyed to London that the bases represent a colonial remnant that should be brought to an end. He briefed the National Council on the matter, outlining the steps taken and his approach to the issue.

According to sources, the British government does not appear opposed in principle to dialogue within a technical committee framework, though London maintains that the bases serve a protective function for Cyprus.

Britain also expressed irritation over a reference to the bases in the conclusions of the European Council.

Nicosia’s position, reiterated in every contact with British counterparts, is threefold: that the base arrangement is a colonial legacy; that it creates development constraints for the areas under British sovereignty; and that the UK has not met its financial obligations under the establishment agreement since 1965.

It was made clear at the National Council that the bases have not been used for any operational purposes.

Reservations within the National Council

Sources said National Council members raised reservations about the timing and handling of the issue, with concern focused on whether it was wise to open a front with Britain over the bases while the Cyprus problem remains unresolved. Questions were also raised about how Britain might respond if withdrawal were formally tabled. Members said the focus should be on practical issues affecting residents living within the base areas, but that the government needed to proceed carefully.

Letymbiotis: structured dialogue, evolutionary process

Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, speaking after the National Council session, said there was consensus that discussions on the bases should begin in a structured way, with a clear strategic focus, and conducted jointly with the UK taking into account the long-standing bilateral relationship.

“It was a very constructive discussion regarding the planning of specific actions for the period ahead,” he said, adding that close coordination with the UK remained the priority and that the inclusion of the issue in European Council conclusions — backed by all 27 member states — was of particular significance.

Asked whether the question of base withdrawal had been raised with EU partners, Letymbiotis said it had not been put in those terms, noting that bilateral diplomatic discussions of this nature were not conducted publicly.

He described the process as evolutionary, saying it needed to move forward in a structured manner. He added that following a phone call between the President and the British Prime Minister, the relevant steps were expected to be put into motion in the coming period.