The Cypriot Government expresses strong dissatisfaction with the United Kingdom for the absence of a clear and timely assurance that the British Bases in Cyprus will not be used for purposes other than humanitarian, with Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stating after the National Council meeting that "in this context we do not rule out anything."
As Mr. Letymbiotis stated, despite the assurances that had been given by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in his statement yesterday, there was no clear clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus "would not under any circumstances be used for any reason other than humanitarian."
"It is something that I must say that we see with dissatisfaction. The fact that while there were these assurances in yesterday's address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, there was no clear clarification that the British Bases in Cyprus would not in any case be used for any reason other than humanitarian," he said.
He added that he was informed that there was a clarifying position today from the UK Foreign Secretary, however, he emphasized that the information that Nicosia received in many communications and at various levels was clear regarding the strictly humanitarian role.
"This was our official position. This is our timeless position, because the message we send in every direction, and not only rhetorically, but through the way the Republic of Cyprus has operated over time — and I remind you that for decades the Republic of Cyprus has proven this — is that we are a humanitarian hub and that is what we want to project, because that is exactly what we serve," he said.
The Government Spokesperson noted that all necessary steps and contacts will be taken, both to express Nicosia's dissatisfaction with the way the message was communicated, and for the fact that yesterday there was no timely information for citizens of the Republic of Cyprus residing near the Akrotiri bases.
Asked about the announcement by former Attorney General Costas Clerides, who claimed that the Republic of Cyprus has every legal basis to request and renegotiate the status of the Bases and their operating conditions, Mr. Letymbiotis replied: "In this context, we do not rule out anything."
Source: KYPE
