The British Bases are trying to give a response to the publication of Fileleftheros through an announcement, regarding the turmoil caused in the community of Akrotiri, regarding the intention of the British to install 32 additional antennas in the area.
To carry out the project, the British Bases is expected to proceed with the expropriation of an area of about 340 stairs of community land. On this, they reply that "the acquisition of additional land will be required. Any relevant procedure will be carried out in accordance with the prescribed legal and administrative procedures."
Regarding residents' reports of increased cancer cases, the British replied that "the main sources of radio frequency fields were mobile telephone networks and national broadcasting systems. No increased incidence of cancer, congenital abnormalities or obstetric problems was found."
The announcement is as follows:
In relation to the article in the newspaper Fileleftheros published last week, we quote below a relevant information background:
The Command of the British Bases is proceeding with works to modernize existing infrastructure in the area of the Akrotiri Salt Lake. The Management remains committed to maintaining open, transparent and meaningful communication with all key stakeholders throughout the implementation of the project.
To ensure the long-term operation of this infrastructure, the acquisition of additional land will be required. Any relevant procedure will be carried out in accordance with the prescribed legal and administrative procedures, with full information and consultation with the affected landowners, as well as with an examination of any compensation they may be entitled to.
According to a publicly available study (Health Response of Two Communities to Military Antennae in Cyprus. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2007), it was recorded that "the main sources of radio frequency fields were mobile telephone networks and national broadcasting systems. No increased incidence of cancer, congenital abnormalities or obstetric problems was found."
Existing monitoring systems, including those operating within the Akrotiri community, provide on an ongoing basis data on emissions of the equipment to the competent authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. The independent verification of these data will continue, while at the same time it will be strengthened through the Administration's proposal for the installation of additional monitoring units throughout the Salt Lake area.
The British Bases Management remains committed to the responsible implementation of the project and to working closely with local partners, communities and all stakeholders involved.
