Nicosia: The government in Nicosia has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom over what it describes as the absence of a clear and timely assurance that the British Bases in Cyprus would not be used for purposes beyond humanitarian operations. Speaking after a meeting of the National Council, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that despite assurances given by the British Prime Minister in his address the previous evening, there had been no explicit clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus 'under no circumstances would be used for any purpose other than humanitarian.'
According to Cyprus News Agency, the National Council was convened after a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck within the military facilities of the British Bases at Akrotiri, causing minor damage in the early hours, prompting heightened security measures and concern among residents living nearby. 'It is something that I must say we view with dissatisfaction. The fact that, while there were these assurances during yesterday's address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, there was no clear clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus under no circumstances would be used for any purpose other than humanitarian,' he said.
Letymbiotis added that he had been informed of a clarifying statement issued today by the UK Foreign Secretary. However, he stressed that the information conveyed to Nicosia through multiple communications and at various levels had been clear regarding a strictly humanitarian role. 'This was also our official position. This is also our longstanding position, because the message we send in every direction . is that we are a humanitarian hub and this is what we want to project, because this is precisely what we serve,' he said.
The Government Spokesman noted that all necessary d©marches and contacts would be made both to convey Nicosia's dissatisfaction over the way the message was communicated and over the fact that there had been no timely information yesterday for citizens of the Republic of Cyprus residing near the Akrotiri bases. In response to remarks by former Attorney General Costas Clerides, who argued that the Republic of Cyprus has full legal grounds to request and renegotiate the status and operating terms of the Bases, Letymbiotis said: 'In this context, we do not rule out anything.'
During the National Council session, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said members received a full briefing on the overnight incident at RAF Akrotiri and on the security measures taken. He said the Council's common position was the safeguarding of national security and citizens, with all protocols coordinated and assessed daily. It was reaffirmed that Cyprus 'did not participate and will not participate in any way whatsoever in military operations,' stressing that the country remains committed to its humanitarian role and aims to be 'part of the solution and never part of the problem.'
Members were also informed about efforts to repatriate Cypriot nationals when feasible and about requests to use Cyprus as a hub for humanitarian evacuations of third-country nationals. Diplomatic contacts by the President and the Foreign Minister are ongoing with European partners and third countries, he added.
Asked about the attack against the British Bases and the information received from the United Kingdom, Letymbiotis said that during communications with London, Cyprus had been informed that the British Bases in the Republic of Cyprus would 'in no case be used for any military operation.' 'That was the information we had. That was also the information we had in a telephone communication following the British Prime Minister's address.'
He added that 'after the incident last night we were in coordination with the government of the United Kingdom and with the administration of the British Bases,' noting that there had been repeated telephone communications between the Foreign Minister and his counterpart, as well as the UK Minister of State.
On the origin of the drone involved in the incident, Letymbiotis said that the exact origin is currently under verification. 'Therefore, we cannot speculate. As soon as there is safe information, it will of course be made public.' He clarified that there was no indication, including from the British Bases, that there had been any other object apart from the one that caused minor material damage at Akrotiri.
Regarding whether the British Sovereign Base Areas have an obligation to notify the Republic, he noted that 'the Bases operate under the Treaty of Establishment,' but added that Cyprus acts 'within the framework of diplomatic responsibility and diplomatic prudence,' expecting respect and a spirit of coordination.
On preparedness, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said 'all measures that can be taken are being taken,' with all relevant protocols activated in coordination with partners. On the economic front, he said discussions were held at the National Council, but emphasised that 'the primary concern at this moment is the security of the country and its citizens.' The competent ministries and the Central Bank of Cyprus are conducting assessments depending on how the regional crisis evolves.
Diplomatic initiatives 'have been undertaken from the very first moment,' he said, citing requests for contacts from EU member states, regional countries and EU institutions, with the Foreign Minister already engaged in discussions. Any requests from foreign governments, he clarified, relate exclusively to humanitarian operations, including evacuations through Cyprus. He also said that tightened security measures remain in place and under constant review. The National Security Council reconvened at midnight at the Presidential Palace and remained in session until shortly before the National Council meeting.
'With composure and responsibility is how we approach the situation,' Letymbiotis said, reiterating that safeguarding citizens and the country remains the top priority. He added that the postponement of the informal General Affairs Council in Nicosia was due to flight cancellations, not security concerns, stressing that Cyprus, as holder of the EU Council Presidency and a country in the region, believes it can clearly advocate for EU initiatives aimed at de-escalation.