Bases agree to postpone Akamas exercises

THE BRITISH Bases yesterday agreed to postpone military exercises in the Akamas for the second time in a month.

The postponement was agreed after further talks yesterday between the bases and the government aimed at finding an alternative site for the controversial war games. The government has offered the bases limited use of the National Guard firing range at Kalo Chorio, in the Larnaca district.

“As a result of the progress made in the negotiations it was agreed that the exercises planned for next week be postponed,” British High Commission spokesman Piers Cazalet said.

He said “good progress” was being made towards agreeing an alternative exercise site.

A government announcement said that British exercises planned for February 21 to 26 had been called off following “constructive” dialogue yesterday.

Exercises planned for earlier this month were also postponed amid growing opposition from environmentalists and anti-bases activists.

The Akamas area is earmarked as a National Park and greens claim the British exercises cause untold damage to the peninsula’s unique ecology.

The bases have made it clear they are happy to use any suitable alternative site offered.

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