Former president Nicos Anastasiades comments on the future of British bases in Cyprus

Former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades stated on Tuesday that any discussion regarding the future of British military bases in Cyprus is premature. Speaking to Sigma television following recent regional security concerns and visits by French and Greek leaders, he argued that such debates should only occur after a political settlement of the Cyprus issue is reached. Anastasiades emphasized that Britain has a primary responsibility to protect both its military facilities and the Cypriot civilians living within those areas. He noted that while London has historically rarely supported Cyprus's positions, the precedent involving the Chagos Islands could potentially strengthen the Republic's legal arguments in the future. Furthermore, he highlighted a 2014 agreement with then-Prime Minister David Cameron that allowed for the release of certain base lands for civilian development. He suggested that additional progress could be achieved through continued dialogue. Finally, he praised current President Nikos Christodoulides for his efforts in mobilizing international partners during the ongoing regional crisis involving Iran.