Cyprus demands talks on British military bases after drone strike
Cyprus has called for talks on the future of two British military bases on its soil. The request follows a recent drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK's sovereign territories on the island. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has now urged a discussion about their removal.
The British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia have remained under UK control since 1960. They were established under the Cyprus Independence Treaty, alongside the London-Zürich Agreements. Though Cyprus gained independence that year, the bases stayed as sovereign British land.
Tensions over their presence have persisted for decades. Many Cypriot politicians have long viewed the bases with unease. The latest drone attack on RAF Akrotiri has now reignited the debate.
Kombos's call marks a formal push to reassess the bases' status. The UK has yet to respond to the request. Any changes would require negotiations between the two governments.
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