British Bases and fuel sources debated by Cyprus Open University in London

The Open University held a lecture in London where Prof. Joseph Joseph explored the legal and political aspects of “The British Bases and the Marine Natural Resources (Oil and Natural Gas)”.

Joseph, who is a professor of international and European studies at the University of Cyprus, triggered a long debate among the 70 attendants that focused on the importance of the Sovereign Bases Areas, particularly after the recent Strategic Agreement signed by prime ministers Gordon Brown and Recep Tayip Erdogan and the subsequent ending of the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots.

The lecturer also elaborated on the natural resources of oil and gas found on the Cyprus seabed and the political as well as economic aspects of the matter. He analysed the Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus as well as the Treaty of Guarantees, suggesting that the term for ‘sovereign bases’ was added later into both treaties and has no legal bearing as only states can maintain sovereignty.

However, members of the audience expressed their frustration over why successive administrations in Nicosia have allowed the Labour and Conservative governments to use the bases as they like and continue to undermine the independence and integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

Prof. Joseph’s response that Cyprus could not afford to open a second front, at least not until it rids the island of the Turkish occupation forces, did not impress the audience, with some people even suggesting certain measures and initiatives that Cyprus could undertake.