Cyprus in spat with Britain over Russian use of military bases

First entry: 9 February 2015

Cyprus’ offer to allow Russia the use of air and navy bases on its territory has triggered a feud with Britain, which is concerned over Russian military activities amid the Ukraine crisis.
The top British envoy to the island made a series of warnings to Nicosia regarding the gas crisis in the eastern Mediterranean and the use of military bases by Russia during an interview with Greek daily Kathimerini, sparking reaction from Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades.
In his interview, British High Commissioner to Cyprus, Damian Roberick Todd, said the EU has a common and voted stance against Russia over the recent developments in Ukraine, urging the government to act according to this.
Anastasiades, however, reacted to Todd’s remarks, asking the envoy to avoid using “baseless” words.
“There is an old [defense] agreement, which should be renewed as is. At the same time, some additional services will be provided in the same way as we do with other countries, such as, for example, with France and Germany,” the Cypriot president reportedly said. “Cyprus and Russia have traditionally had good relations, and this is not subject to change.”
Andreas Papandreou Airbase, which was constructed by the southern Cypriot government jointly with Greece, is presumed to be the base at issue.
Both France and Israel have also demanded use of the facility.