“Akrotiri, life, health, property.”
Carrying signs and chanting slogans, residents marched outside the British Bases to express their opposition to the Bases’ plan to install new antennas in the area. They are calling for the government’s immediate intervention on the matter.
“We express our categorical opposition to the installation and operation of new surveillance antennas and any other military infrastructure in Akrotiri, which reinforces the military character of the area and may endanger the safety and health of citizens.”
Pantelis Georgiou – Mayor of Kourion
“So we are here to oppose something illegal—namely, the installation of 68 new antennas that have been approved for installation throughout the entire Akrotiri area. Based on current medical opinions, these are extremely dangerous to citizens’ health. Our concern is that the government is doing nothing on its part. Unfortunately, as far as we know, the Minister of Foreign Affairs did not raise this issue during his meeting in England. We ask the Cypriot government—because we are Cypriot citizens and belong to the Republic of Cyprus—to stand by us and support us.”
Residents of Akrotiri
READ ALSO: “No to the new antennas”: Residents of Akrotiri protested with banners and slogans
Residents of the Akrotiri Municipal District, the Merra Akrotiri Committee, the “Akrotiri Zero Hour” Movement, organized groups, members of the Ecologists’ Movement, and citizens submitted a resolution to the commander of the British Bases.
The demands they are making are:
1. Immediate suspension of all work related to the installation of new antennas.
2. A review of the plan, taking into account the concerns of the local community.
3. Full transparency and official information regarding the purpose and potential impacts of the installations on human health and the environment.
4. Meaningful dialogue with the Republic of Cyprus, local authorities, and citizens prior to any further development of military infrastructure.
See the report by Kleio Vourkou:
