British in bad books!

[Woody2]

Apparently the Cypriot mood is changing in respect to the benefits of accomodating the RAF force at Akrotiri, following their recent retaliatory strikes on designated terrorist groups in the Middle East.

The peacekeeping force (in place mostly as a deterrent against a repeat invasion by Turkey) is being condemned & suggested that it should be removed.
No doubt the Cypriots are concerned about the potential for repercussions attracted by the actions of the British forces,suggesting they should be replaced by the Cypriot Air Command.

Interesting that the actions of the peacekeeping force in providing an obstacle to Turkey's attempted annexation of Cyprus, should be so quickly forgotten.

Maybe they should consider drafting in The Red Baron!

[wantoosoon]

The UN peacekeeping mission and the sovereign bases are two different things. Of the 801 UN peacekeepers, 257 are British. The bases have nothing to do with Turkey and were here long before 1974. They are a British interest and don't contribute to the defence of Cyprus. Cyprus is constitutionally obliged to keep them.

[josef k]

Although the Sovereign bases are on the island of Cyprus, they are not within the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. They are a British Overseas Territory, as are the Falkland Islands for example. They are not involved in the UN peacekeeping mission or have a role in the rest of the island.
You can read more here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akrotiri_and_Dhekelia

[Kili01]

Woody2, perhaps you don't know what RAF Akrotiri does to support the Cyprus Govt when called upon? Air-sea rescues mainly in their part of the island, fire fighting particularly big fires in places like the Troodos where ground based services have difficulty reaching fires in inaccessible terrain.Using their helicopters and personnel. Policing the SBA, inside and an area outside the bases which is part of the SBA. Cooperating with the Cyprus Police. Helping the Cypriots in villages outside the bases when required. They maintain good working relations with the Cyprus Govt.
They are not responsible for protecting either Cypriot community from each other.

[Kili01]

Woody 2, the reason for the RAF aircraft mission to the Red Sea last week, was in support of the USA forces strike on terrorist forces who have been attacking civilian ships in an International shipping lane which leads to the Suez Canal..

[Woody2]

Kili01 » Fri Jan 19, 2024 8:43 pm
Woody 2, the reason for the RAF aircraft mission to the Red Sea last week, was in support of the USA forces strike on terrorist forces who have been attacking civilian ships in an International shipping lane which leads to the Suez Canal..

Yes I'm aware, that is the reason why the Cypriots are protesting isn't it?
They are afraid of the potential for retaliatory strikes by the various terrorist groups that are emerging in the nearby arab nations.

The other posters information is very enlightening.