- The president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has called for an "open and frank discussion" with the British Government about the future of the UK's military bases on the island once the Middle East crisis is over.
- Christodoulides described the two bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, as a "colonial consequence" and noted his responsibility for over 10,000 Cypriot citizens living within them.
- The demand for talks follows a recent drone strike at RAF Akrotiri, which has heightened concerns in Cyprus that the bases could pose a security threat to the island.
- Relations appear strained due to a delay in sending a warship to defend Cyprus after the drone attack, with HMS Dragon only setting sail last week and not yet reaching the island.
- Downing Street has declined to comment on potential discussions, asserting that the UK's military cooperation with Cyprus "has never been closer," while the armed forces minister previously stated the sovereign bases were "not in question."
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