London as a war base, not Cyprus
Source: in-cyprus.com
The British bases cannot be used as a launching pad for attacks on neighbouring countries. This is because such military operations cannot be considered defensive in nature.
The Republic of Cyprus has warned, even days ago through Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, that our country should not be used as a launching pad for air raids in the US-Israel war against Iran.
This position by Nicosia obviously does not concern only this specific war but more broadly. Primarily because using the bases for such military operations puts Cyprus at risk and makes it a target.
Such activities, in our view, violate the Treaties of Establishment. It is obvious that the preparations being made through the bases are fundamentally connected to the British government’s decision to follow, as always faithfully, Washington. This is what the toothless, once mighty British Empire usually does.
In this context, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated recently that there is no request for the bases’ involvement in the war. He did not say they would not be involved but that the Americans have not asked (yet).
He was quick to point out that Britain has moved military assets to the region and will take “any necessary action to defend its allies if they come under threat”. A clear statement regarding London’s intentions.
Are the British entitled to use the bases for military operations? They maintain the bases are sovereign. This is disputed, including through legal opinions. For example, if it is considered British territory, why does the Treaty provide for them to pay rent?
Compensation they should pay but do not, acting illegally. Britain paid its dues regularly until 1965. In 1965 Britain unilaterally terminated payment on the grounds that Turkish Cypriots did not participate in the state and that only the Greek Cypriot side could not collect the money. There are different interpretations on this, but that is not our issue.
The priority is that the bases should not be used as this would place Cyprus in the war frame. If the British want so much to serve the US and Israel, let them launch their military operations from their own country.
As the Americans did recently. Let them launch fighters from military bases within their country “to help their allies” and not from Cyprus.
In view of all this activity, the bases issue inevitably resurfaces. An issue that should always be in the foreground but is swept under the carpet.
This is because their presence is obviously politically and legally outdated. It is a colonial remnant. For the Republic of Cyprus, the issue of de-colonisation should be major as it connects, among other things, with our strategic objectives.
In our view, this should also interest the EU, especially after Britain’s exit from the Union.
In the bigger picture, regarding this issue, we should obviously also include the International Court of Justice ruling on Mauritius. Since the Republic of Cyprus appeared in the proceedings as an interested party, it can only make use of it.
Therefore: It must be made clear to London that there will be a reaction if their military installations in Cyprus are used for war purposes. And this reaction will lead to a rupture. Whether they are “entitled” to use them (which they are not) or not.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
