UK Defence Official Says Sovereign Base Areas In Cyprus “Not Negotiable”

Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph at the Akrotiri base, Carns said: “There is no question of transferring sovereignty over Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The legal status of the sovereign bases is unshakeable.”

The remarks came ahead of talks with the Greek Cypriot administration, amid renewed discussion over the future of the British bases on the island.

The report noted that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides has previously described the UK bases as a “colonial relic” and raised the issue of their status during an EU summit last month.

According to The Telegraph, scenarios involving a possible transfer of sovereignty followed by leasing the bases back to the United Kingdom have been discussed, though Carns rejected any such possibility.

He stressed that no negotiations on returning the bases would take place and said the priority is strengthening cooperation with the Greek Cypriot administration on the island’s defence.

Carns also noted that, for the first time in a long period, Greek Cypriots, British forces, and other allies are working together on a joint defence approach, particularly in response to regional threats.

He reiterated: “The reality is that the legal foundation of these sovereign territories is not up for negotiation.”

The report also highlighted that British forces are reinforcing the bases as part of wider efforts to demonstrate their commitment to defending not only the facilities themselves but the island as a whole.