By Jean Christou
CYPRUS and Britain yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding to allow the British bases to use a National Guard range to conduct military exercises.
In return, the bases will suspend their manoeuvres in the Akamas peninsula, to which they have limited rights under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides and British High Commissioner Edward Clay at the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia.
Under the agreed terms, British soldiers will no longer use the Akamas peninsula for manoeuvres but will be use the National Guard firing range at Kalo Chorio in the Larnaca district for ten days a year, as opposed to the 70 allowed under the Treat of Establishment.
Cassoulides said the memo was a result of efforts and co-operation between the Cyprus and British governments, which were trying to satisfy popular opinion on the environmentally sensitive Akamas.
For years, environmentalists have been trying to put a stop to British war games in the Akamas, which was earmarked as a national park in 1989. Persistent protests forced Nicosia and London to seek an alternative.
“The friendly relations between the two countries and a spirit of mutual understanding and co-operation allowed for a happy conclusion of this issue, ” Cassoulides said.
Clay also welcomed the agreement. “We all recognise the importance of the Akamas as a national and indeed international area of outstanding natural beauty,” he said, adding that, while using the area, the British had always respected this. “This agreement is another example of co-operation between the Sovereign Base Areas, the British government and the government of Cyprus, and the excellent relationship we enjoy.”
The memo, which was agreed last April, was approved by the cabinet last December and the bases held their first exercises at Kalo Chorio last August.
Their basic right to use the Akamas will not be forfeited under the agreement, but they will not be allowed to exercise on the peninsula as long as the memo remains in force. Under the terms, either side can terminate the agreement on three months’ notice.
The National Guard did have misgivings about allowing the British access to Kalo Chorio, but under the agreement it will be allowed to monitor the exercises.
Only light artillery can be used on the Larnaca range and British troops will not be allowed to stay overnight.
Cassoulides yesterday gave assurances that all measures would be taken for the safety of residents in the area close to the range.
