US military presence in Cyprus sparks backlash, protests
US military presence in Cyprus prompted a wave of backlash on Friday, spiraling into a full out row between the government and opposition party Akel, while protestors in Limassol chanted ‘No Harbour for Genocide’ over a US assault ship docked in Limassol.
Akel accused the government of dragging Cyprus into the middle of extremely heightened tensions by consenting to the “continuing concentration of foreign military forces on our island.”
This makes “our country part of the problem.”
A day earlier, US amphibious assault ship, USS Wasp arrived in Limassol, prompting members of the public to organise a protest at the city’s Molos area close to the harbour for Friday at 6pm.
Under the slogan ‘No Harbour for Genocide’ organisers said “join us for a public demonstration and say no to the ships of death in our ports.
“We demand that all ports and states refuse to service ships supplying the state of Israel the means to commit genocide against the Palestinian people.”
Akel called on the government to recognise how much this was amplifying Cyprus’ involvement in the regional tensions and “the dangers this will have to the safety of the country.”
“Our entire vicinity is threatened with an explosion of unimaginable and dramatic consequences. Against this backdrop, the continuing build-up of US military forces on our island, both inside and outside British bases, is heightening our risks and concerns.”
It added that if the government did not care for the slaughter of the Palestinian people then at least it could care for the security of Cypriot people.
“Cyprus’ role should be a bridge of peace and humanitarian assistance, not a foreign military base.”
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis hit back saying that recent movement of ships and aircraft in Cyprus is part of the island’s humanitarian role in light of developments in the region.
The increased activity observed in recent days, involving the presence of ships and aircraft, “falls within the scope of Cyprus’ humanitarian responsibilities.”
“These efforts are aimed at supporting potential evacuations if necessary,” he said.
“Our hope is to avoid any escalation of the crisis, and we are working towards that goal with our international partners.”
Weighing in, US ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher posted on X that the USS Wasp is visiting Cyprus “in support of long-planned US-Cyprus partnership activities.
“The visit comes at a time when the US continues all efforts along with key partners to de-escalate regional tensions & to be prepared to support civilians in crisis.”
Letymbiotis also added that preparations for the activation of the ‘Estia’ plan, which would facilitate the evacuation of third-country nationals through Cyprus, are ongoing.
“This explains the current level of activity on the island,” he said.
Letymbiotis also stressed the importance of remaining calm and serious during this critical period and cautioned against the uncritical acceptance of false information targeting the Republic.