The British Bases in Cyprus have repeatedly been at the center of regional tensions, particularly in times of war in the Middle East. For the first time, however, Cyprus was attacked by a drone inside the Bases, which demonstrates that their facilities are considered a potential target and brings long-standing security issues back to the forefront.
Associate Professor of International Politics and Governance at the University of Nicosia, George Kentas, spoke to filenews about recent developments, as well as the role of the British Bases in Cyprus.
Initially, he stated that the Bases are located in Cyprus by virtue of the Treaty of Establishment. "They are essentially the continuation of colonialism in the areas that remained under British rule."
He added that British sovereignty over the Bases is a sovereign territory of the United Kingdom. "The territory of the Bases was never given to the territorial control of the Republic of Cyprus. It remained, based on the regime that was in force after the Treaty of Lausanne, until today."
He pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus must ask for explanations from the British in relation to the issue of security. "The presence of the Bases cannot endanger the security of Cyprus. It is not our responsibility to do what the British do inside the Bases, but we must ask for explanations for actions that may endanger the safety of Cypriots residing in areas under the control of the British Bases."
The times the British Bases were targeted
Mr. Kentas explained that the British Bases have been targeted many times in the past, but no attack has been carried out. "The Bases were also targeted in the first war in Iraq, in 1991, as well as much more intensely in 2003. Also, in the context of the war in Syria, they were again targeted and an anti-missile and anti-aircraft shield had been created to prevent a possible strike, such as the one that finally occurred in the early hours of today."
In addition, he said that explanations must be sought for the fact that a drone arrived in Cyprus, which travelled 300 miles from Iran. "They should tell us what measures they took to protect us."
He explained that, based on statements by the British Foreign Secretary, there was knowledge that the Bases in Cyprus were a target of Iran. "The question is whether they took this threat seriously, what measures they took and whether there was relevant information to the Republic of Cyprus."
The first time that Cyprus was attacked and Article 3 of the Treaty of Guarantee
Mr. Kentas then pointed out that in the past Cyprus was attacked in the context of a regional conflict. "This happened in World War II, when German bombers bombed Cyprus. And then Cyprus was under British colonial rule," he said. He underlined that the British claim that the presence of the Bases strengthens the security of Cyprus.
He also referred to the Treaty of Guarantee and in particular to Article 3, which, as he said, becomes relevant for the first time after the attack on the Bases.
Of particular interest is the paradox of the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, Article 3 of which provides for an obligation on the Contracting Parties — including Turkey — to guarantee the integrity and rights of the United Kingdom in the territory of the bases. While this provision was adopted against possible internal disputes, today it acquires practical significance in conditions of a real external threat, which also affects the Republic of Cyprus. It cannot be ruled out that Turkey may attempt to invoke its Treaty of Guarantee in order to appear to be an interested party in developments.
Under these circumstances, it becomes necessary for the Republic of Cyprus to formulate strict diplomatic representations, so that the operation of the British bases does not turn into a factor of destabilization or risk to the security and stability of the Cypriot state.
In conclusion, he noted that the British are in Cyprus by force. "Their presence must not endanger the safety of the country's inhabitants, nor the economy."
