The British press is following developments in Cyprus with increased interest, featuring continuous coverage and interviews in top international media outlets. Within a 24-hour period, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos gave yet another interview, this time on the BBC’s popular Newsnight program.
Among other points, Mr. Kombos emphasized that the situation in Cyprus remains under control, despite concerns raised following the incident with an Iranian drone near a British base, noting that daily life continues normally. “Life goes on as normal,” he said characteristically, underlining that schools, universities, and both public and private sectors operate without interruption.
As he reported, several alarms or false alarms have occurred in recent days, however he stressed that Cypriot citizens have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Additionally, he added that Cypriot authorities have substantially enhanced their capabilities to handle such situations, based on guidance from military experts.
Referring to the British military bases located on the island, Mr. Kombos noted that the issue raises questions and concerns, pointing out that Nicosia’s displeasure had been expressed both before and immediately after the incident. He emphasized, however, that the immediate priority is effective crisis management. “Right now we are focusing on how to handle the situation,” he said, adding that after de-escalation there will be a comprehensive assessment of events, issues that arose, and potential future consequences.
British bases and crisis management
When asked about the future of British bases in Cyprus, the Cypriot minister mentioned that the issue has been on the agenda of discussions between both sides for years, noting that a more substantial discussion should take place after careful evaluation of recent developments.
Contacts with US and regional instability
At the same time, he referred to his contacts with his American counterpart Marco Rubio, noting that his assessment is that the current crisis in the broader region will not end soon.
As he stated, there is intense concern throughout the region, with issues such as energy, inflation, economic conditions, and maritime security directly affecting many countries.
