Talks on British bases to begin after de-escalation of regional tension

Discussions between Cyprus and the United Kingdom over the future of the British sovereign base areas are expected to begin once regional tensions ease, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

The comments come amid heightened security concerns following last month’s drone strike on RAF Akrotiri and growing public debate over the presence and role of the bases on the island.

According to the source, preparatory work is already underway on the issues Nicosia intends to raise, with efforts focused on shaping both the agenda and the structure of the talks.

“The talks are not expected to be delayed in starting,” the source added.

However, the pace and scope of progress remain uncertain. “There may be ten issues identified that require improvement, but one cannot expect all ten to be discussed from day one,” the source said. “You start with those that are easier to resolve, to demonstrate results and intentions, and then the process evolves.”

The source cautioned that the process is unlikely to be concluded quickly, though this does not preclude early outcomes on specific matters.

Among the issues expected to feature in the talks are more technical or procedural matters, including longstanding concerns such as the installation and regulation of antenna systems within the bases.

“For example, the issue of antennas in the British bases is not the most significant issue, but it is still one that needs to be addressed in terms of the procedures that will be followed,” the source said.

The comments come as it was confirmed on Sunday that the United Kingdom informed the government of its intention to install a cluster of 32 antennas at RAF Akrotiri, covering a range of up to 340 square kilometres.

The source also pointed to past agreements that were never fully implemented. Understandings reached in 2014 between then-president Nicos Anastasiades and former UK prime minister David Cameron included measures aimed at easing restrictions affecting Cypriot communities within the base areas.

“Some issues were put on the table and agreed in 2014, but they were not implemented. There are many such cases,” the source said.

The British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which cover around three per cent of the island, have long been a sensitive issue in Cyprus, often viewed by political parties and sections of the public as a remnant of colonial-era arrangements. The timing of the emerging discussions is also symbolically charged, with April 1 marking the anniversary of the start of the Eoka armed struggle against British colonial rule in 1955.

While the government has not publicly detailed its negotiating position, officials have indicated that the aim is to address practical concerns while maintaining stability and cooperation.