Britain not planning to downgrade Bases in Cyprus

The British Ministry of Defence continues to dismiss allegations that the government is planning to downgrade the British Bases in Cyprus, in the context of a drive to cut expenditure in all sectors, due to the priority placed on Afghanistan.

Asked about relevant reports, a spokeswoman for the Ministry said ''this is speculation, as no final decisions have been made.''

''We routinely review our spending to ensure Afghanistan remains the top priority. Although some hard decisions will have to be made, no measures will affect operations,'' she added.

According to the ''Times'', part of the Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus would be sold and that decisions in that direction would be taken after talks between the UK Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister's office.

Britain, a former colonial power, is one of three guarantor powers of Cyprus' independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty, in accordance with the 1960 treaties that established the Republic of Cyprus. It maintains two military bases on the island and has recently repeated an offer to give up part of the bases territory, should an agreement be reached between the island's two communities. The other two guarantor powers are Greece and Turkey.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Peace talks are underway to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country.