On the efforts aiming at the further militarisation of Cyprus

Statement by Yiorgos Loucaides, Parliamentary Representative

of AKEL-Left-New Forces and Political Bureau member

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 31 January 2019, Nicosia

On the occasion of the summit of the seven EU Mediterranean countries and all that has been said or leaked about the upgrading of military cooperation with France through the granting of a military base, the Anastasiades government and the leadership of the governing DISY leadership have taken care to send out the message that Cyprus is becoming stronger and safer through corresponding military co-operations. They have reiterated the same over the past few days also in relation to the military co-operation they are promoting with the US.

As AKEL, we warn that the position arguing that Cyprus will protect itself more effectively through such type of actions either against Turkish aggression in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone or in relation to the clash of superpowers titans in the South Eastern region which is developing in south east region of the Middle East is a dangerous illusion that will lead our country to adventures.

On the contrary, what does shield and protect Cyprus more effectively is not its further militarization and transformation into an aggressive launching pad and an unsinkable aircraft carrier of any third country, but instead its transformation into a bridge of peace and cooperation and the full demilitarisation of our island.