Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday that Cyprus wants to reassess the future of British military bases after the end of the current tensions in the region. There will be no taboos in the upcoming talks with the United Kingdom – all options are on the table.

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, the president clarified that while Cyprus is not actively involved in the conflict, it is significantly affected due to its geographical location and strategic importance.

"We belong to the region, but we are not part of this conflict," he stressed. At the same time, he emphasized that Cyprus continues to operate as a stable, safe and fully functional location for business, investment and tourism.

Christodoulides made it clear that there had already been direct talks with London. Together with the British Prime Minister, he had discussed developments in crisis management that are viewed critically from a Cypriot point of view.

As soon as the situation has calmed down, a comprehensive reassessment should take place. "Then we have to discuss everything openly and decide together on the future of the bases," he explained.

In the past, the president had already described the British military bases as relics from the colonial era. At the same time, he underlined the responsibility of the state towards the more than 10,000 Cypriots living in the affected areas.

He also warned of security policy risks and made it clear: "Our country must not become a target."

In parallel, Christodoulides highlighted Cyprus' role within the European Union and positioned the country as a mediator between Europe and the Middle East. The geographical proximity and long-standing relationships with the region are a decisive advantage.

"We don't know this region from a theoretical point of view, but from lived reality – and it is precisely this knowledge that we bring to the EU," he said.

He also referred to an exceptionally strong European solidarity in the current situation and highlighted in particular the first-time practical application of the EU mutual assistance clause.

"For the first time, EU solidarity has been put into practice – Article 42.7 has been successfully activated," the President said.

This development must be used to strengthen the geopolitical importance of the EU, especially in its immediate neighbourhood. The states of the region would expect Europe to play a more active role.

With regard to defence policy, Christodoulides confirmed that Cyprus is fundamentally interested in closer cooperation with NATO. However, accession is currently not politically realistic.

"If it were possible, we would apply immediately. But under the current conditions, such a step would only provoke a veto from Turkey," he said.

In addition to the security policy aspects, the president warned of significant economic consequences if instability persists. Tourism, trade, energy supply and the overall economy of the region would be particularly affected.

He therefore pleaded for targeted, time-limited measures at EU level to cushion the effects. This could also include instruments such as price caps for natural gas – but adapted to the respective national circumstances.

He also stressed the need for a clear and unified European line towards Russia. Inconsistent action would cause lasting damage to the EU's credibility.

"We need a common strategy and a clear message – anything else weakens Europe," he warned.

With regard to the tensions between the USA, Israel and Iran, Christodoulides called for the current crisis to be seen as an opportunity.

Finally, he outlined the idea of international cooperation for de-escalation. The aim is to form an alliance of willing states that develops concrete solutions and actively contributes to stabilising the situation.

Author: MF-Redaktion / Tom Weyermann
Sources: in_Cyprus / CyprusMail.com