Cypriot lawyer & former central committee member of the Progressive Working Peoples’ Party (Akel) Toumazos Tsielepis discusses the case of expelling the British military from Cyprus.
The drone attack on the British base in Akrotiri has brought the issue of the bases back into the news.
The reason the issue has returned to the forefront with such intensity is indeed the incident involving the drone that struck the British base in Akrotiri. This incident confirms what the Progressive Party of Working People (Akei) has been stressing. Namely, that the presence of the bases is a potential source of danger for Cyprus and its people.
The president of the Republic seems to be making certain moves that may give the impression of being made to serve communication purposes rather than substance, particularly in relation to the ongoing discussions about the bases’ presence in Cyprus. As an example, the issue of bases’ withdrawal is not yet on the table.
Initially, the government cultivated the impression that it was raising the issue of removing the bases from Cyprus.
However, it became clear over time that the intended discussion doesn’t concern the status of the bases. Instead, it was related to other issues unrelated to the presence of the bases on the island, such as economic development, security arrangements, and regional cooperation among neighboring countries.
Such issues may need to be handled responsibly without creating excessive expectations that may prove unfeasible at present, particularly in light of the National Council’s limited involvement and the complexities surrounding the situation.
The National Council was briefed after the events had already taken place. The issue has two aspects: Firstly, it is that the bases on the island constitute a remnant of colonialism. The bases, along with the entire framework of the Zurich-London Agreements, represented the price paid for independence. Such agreements are extremely controversial. Their validity can be challenged. This has occurred in the case of Mauritius.
There are legal grounds & strong arguments for challenging the Treaty of Establishment (ToE) that regulates the presence & status of the bases, including issues related to sovereignty, human rights violations, and the lack of consent from the local population. Akel has consistently pursued this course of action. This campaign has been sustained ever since these bases were established on Cyprus. Protest rallies, marches & numerous other actions have been done & may continue to be done.
