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News Brief: Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides calls for discussions on the future of UK military bases in Cyprus, labeling them a ‘colonial consequence’. This follows a recent drone attack on RAF Akrotiri amid rising tensions in the region.

During an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the UK’s military bases on the island, established under a 1960 treaty, need to be reassessed. He emphasized the need for an open dialogue with the British government once the situation in the Middle East stabilizes. The call comes after a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, attributed to Hezbollah, which has drawn criticism regarding the bases’ role in making Cyprus a target. While the UK has increased its military presence in response, the future of the bases remains complex due to the involvement of multiple nations in the founding agreements. Christodoulides refrained from publicly negotiating their status, citing the employment of over 10,000 Cypriots within the bases. The UK’s Ministry of Defence highlighted ongoing military cooperation with Cyprus amidst these developments.

Original Source: www.bbc.com