CYPRUS: EMERGING GEO-STRATEGIC KEY PLAYER IN THE EASTER MEDITERRANEAN?

CYPRUS AT ODDS WITH BRITAIN OVER SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS AND ITS GEOPOLITICAL IMPACT FOR THE REGION

In view of recent developments in the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN, and the fact that CYPRUS for the first time openly demands the shutdown of the two BRITISH Bases, (ESBA and WSBA (Eastern and Western Sovereign Base Area) RAF Akrotiri, and Dhekelia, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_Base_Areas) is a direct result of the ongoing geopolitical shift in the LEVANTINE.

CYPRUS for its part is depending strongly on RUSSIA because RUSSIA bailed out CYPRUS from possible default by granting a large loan, thus the country is committed to adhere to RUSSIA’S demands, which among “offshore benefits” is eager to increase its military presence in the Mediterranean by establishing more naval and air bases. Thus CYPRUS, who traditionally holds close ties with RUSSIA (both countries are part of the Christian Orthodox faith), is the logical location for RUSSIA to set base.

Apart from the geostrategic importance CYPRUS has, recent oil and gas discoveries prompted ISRAEL to join the “quest” for CYPRUS and strengthen ties between the countries, not only for energy resource exploration, but also to establish stronger military cooperation by stationing IAF fighter jets in Paphos and be able to make use of CYPRUS airspace for military training and operational purposes. According to undisclosed intelligence sources CYPRUS and RUSSIA together with GREECE and ISRAEL are planning to expand Paphos International airport and air base facilities as well as Paphos port facilities in order to accommodate larger navy vessels and submarines.

TURKEYS HIGH GAMBLING BID

  

This comes at a time when TURKEY, the arch foe of CYPRUS decided to break its military and economic relations with ISRAEL for geopolitical reasons in exchange of become a key player and mentor of Arab countries in the region.

In addition to TURKEY’S Geo-political ambitions, recent offshore gas and oil findings in CYPRUS and ISRAEL have severely hampered TURKEY’S economic ambition of becoming the main transition hub for various oil and gas pipeline projects in the region. Thus tensions between TURKEY and CYPRUS have increased even further in recent past. On the other hand BRITAIN and TURKEY, both NATO member countries, traditionally are close allies, a fact that CYPRUS remembers dearly during the 1974 TURKISH invasion during which BRITAIN cordoned off its 2 Sovereign Bases, not even provided humanitarian support to the islanders. 

ALLEGEDLY BRITAIN PROVIDED INTELLIGENCE DATA TO TURKEY PRIOR TO THE INVASION 

Ayios Nikolaos ESBA listening and observation station

Allegedly BRITAIN, through its Dhekelia ESBA Easter Sovereign Base Area, which is home to the Royal Signal Regiment and “listening post“ for the Middle East, using state of the art listening and observation devices, provided TURKEY intelligence data regarding the 1974 GREEK Military coup which led to the TURKISH invasion of CYPRUS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_invasion_of_Cyprus 
Thus it becomes evident that because of Britain’s stance before and during the Turkish invasion, the two countries are not at best terms. 

As if all the current Geo-strategic reshuffling is not enough, GREECE suddenly also enters center stage after gas and oil findings in the Aegean Sea, thus making TURKEY even more nervous since ISRAEL, CYPRUS and GREECE have joint forces to strengthen ties, both economically as well as militarily. With the prospects of CYPRUS becoming a key gas exporter and distribution hub in the region it becomes obviously that they want the BRITISH to leave the island, especially since the two bases are occupying prime land which could be utilized for constructing energy distribution sights etc. 

CYPRUS HAS BEEN AND STILL IS THE LARGEST NATURAL “AIRCRAFT CARRIER” IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Realistically speaking though it is rather unlikely that BRITAIN will ever abandon such Geo-strategic important base, no matter how much CYPRUS will pressure it, especially since the USA and NATO have been using RAF Akrotiri as a forward logistics and operational base when conducting operations in IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, KUWAIT and in the not too distant future maybe IRAN. Thus once again it becomes evident as to what significant role CYPRUS plays when it comes to geopolitics and strategies. 

Strategic positions of Cyprus

Talking about Geo-strategic significance, the tiny island of CYPRUS has 8 airports.

Larnaka International Airport

Ercan International Airport located in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus

Paphos International Airport and Greek and National Guard Air force base

Akrotiri WSBA (Western Sovereign Base Area) Royal Air force and NATO Air Base

Kingsfield ESBA British Military (British Army AIRCOR Base)

Lakatamia National Guard Air Base

Gonyeli Turkish Air Force Air Base

Nicosia International airport abandoned in UN Buffer Zone but can be reactivated 

Thus Cyprus has been and still is the largest natural “Aircraft carrier” in the Mediterranean Sea

Related topics:

http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2012/02/eastern-mediterranean-sea.html

http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2011/12/energy-games-in-eastern-mediterranean.html

http://geopoliticsrst.blogspot.com.ar/2012/02/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none_14.html

CYPRUS WANTS BRITISH BASES SHUT DOWN AS MPS PASS RESOLUTION

Via Defense News

BRITISH BASES IN CYPRUS ARE USED FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

MPs have unanimously approved a resolution calling for an end to the presence of the BRITISH BASES in CYPRUS according to the rules of International Law and the relevant decisions of the UNITED NATIONS.

The resolution was approved after the members of the House completed the discussion of the issue “The provocative statements of BRITISH officials and the future of the BRITISH Bases in CYPRUS”, an issue which was debated following the request of MP George Perdikis of the Ecologists – Environmentalists Movement.

Noting that the “BRITISH Bases in CYPRUS are used for military operations against neighboring countries”, the House reconfirms previous relevant resolutions and denounces a series of violations by BRITAIN on the Treaty of Establishment”.

BASES ARE IN AN AREA OF GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

In the resolution, the House cites the statement made by BRITISH Secretary of State for Defence in December 2011 that the Bases are in an area of geopolitical significance and high priority for the long-term interests of the national security of the UNITED KINGDOM”, as well as BRITAIN’S firm commitment to the Bases in CYPRUS as well as similar statements made by Commander of the Bases.

The House calls on the government to take the necessary actions towards the BRITISH government for the payment of amounts owed since 1965.

It underlines that in many cases the actions of the authorities of the BRITISH Bases in CYPRUS are arbitrary and endanger the lives and health of citizens and the environment.

CYPRIOT MPs said that the operation of the BRITISH Bases is a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the CYPRIOT citizens and severs the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the CYPRIOT state.

THE BRITISH BASES IN CYPRUS HAD PROVED THEIR WORTH DURING AIR OPERATIONS IN LIBYA AND AS A LOGISTIC HUB FOR ACTIVITIES IN AFGHANISTAN

In December it was announced that BRITAIN would retain both its military bases in CYPRUS following the completion of a review of their operations by Lord Ashcroft.

In a written statement to parliament Defense Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed BRITAIN’S “enduring commitment” to the bases, saying they had proved their worth during air operations in LIBYA and as a logistic hub for activities in AFGHANISTAN.

About 2,500 military personnel and 1,500 civilians work at BRITISH installations on the island.

It is widely reported that the bases cost the BRITISH taxpayer over €330 million annually to maintain and reductions may be sought in downsizing military personnel and civilian workers.

The RAF base at Akrotiri and the army barracks at Dhekelia cover 254km² or around 3 per cent of the island’s landmass. BRITAIN has previously offered to return around half the territory if a peace deal is reached.