The main opposition party, AKEL, issued a sharp condemnation on Monday following the drone strike on the British Bases at Akrotiri, arguing that the incident confirms the inherent dangers the bases pose to the people of Cyprus.
In an official statement, the party called on the Christodoulides government to inform London that the Cypriot people oppose any military involvement of the bases in regional conflicts. AKEL reiterated its long-standing demand for the “dismantling of the British bases,” describing the request as more timely than ever.
Demands for neutrality
AKEL urged the government to ensure that the infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus is not utilized for military operations or strikes in the region. The party stressed that President Christodoulides’ declaration of non-involvement must be reflected in practice across all diplomatic actions and policy choices.
“It should now be self-evident to everyone that tethering ourselves to the chariot of the US and Israel does not safeguard the interests of the Cypriot people, nor peace in our region,” the statement read. AKEL maintained that defending international law and peace is the only “morally and politically correct” option to shield the island.
Support for UN appeals
Regarding the wider military escalation between the US-Israel and Iran, AKEL warned of “unpredictable risks” for all regional states. The party aligned itself with the appeals of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for:
- An immediate end to hostilities.
- A return to diplomacy.
- Full respect for international law.
Protection of citizens
The party also called for swift action to repatriate Cypriots currently in the conflict zone and urged the government to provide continuous guidance to those living near the British bases. AKEL criticized the “ignorance” in which residents were left during Sunday night’s strike, demanding better communication and protection for local communities.
