Cypriots protest against island's growing role as foreign military base (pics)

On Sunday, over 500 people gathered in Larnaca for a protest organized by the Pancyprian Peace Council (PPC), alongside other local groups and organizations. The protest was aimed at opposing the growing militarization of Cyprus, specifically the island's increasing ties with foreign military powers, such as the United States and NATO. The demonstration, which featured slogans like “Cyprus is not a protectorate” and “Cyprus a bridge of peace,” focused on rejecting Cyprus' transformation into a military base and promoting the idea that Cyprus should remain neutral and independent from foreign military influence.

Protesters gathered near the Medieval Castle in Larnaca and marched to the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS), an organization that collaborates closely with the U.S. government. The protest's message was clear: Cyprus should not become a staging ground for foreign military activities or be involved in global conflicts.

In his address, AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou emphasized the importance of Cyprus retaining control over its own land and resources, free from the influence of NATO or any other military alliances. He called for Cyprus to be governed by its people, not foreign powers, and rejected the idea of the country’s ports, airports, and airspace being used for the benefit of foreign nations like the U.S. and Israel.

Tasos Kosteas, President of the PPC, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the ongoing militarization of Cyprus, which he said positioned the island against its traditionally friendly neighbors. He argued that Cyprus should not be drawn into conflicts, especially given the complex situation of the Cyprus problem—where the island has been divided since Turkey's invasion in 1974. Kosteas pointed out the contradiction of Cyprus supporting foreign military forces that violate international law, while seeking to resolve its own territorial division through international law.

The protest highlighted the growing concern over Cyprus' involvement in foreign military activities, particularly with the increasing U.S. military presence on the island. This shift is seen by critics as a step away from Cyprus' neutral stance and a potential complicating factor in its ongoing efforts to resolve the decades-long Cyprus problem, which has yet to see a breakthrough despite numerous UN-led peace talks.

With info from CNA, photos by Philippos Christou