Sigma Live

Professor P.K.: Careful Legal Processing and Delicate Maneuvers Regarding the British Bases Issue

Published March 16, 2026, 12:11
Professor P.K.: Careful Legal Processing and Delicate Maneuvers Regarding the British Bases Issue

Professor of International Law, Aristotelis Konstantinidis, emphasized that raising the issue of the British Bases in Cyprus requires delicate political and legal maneuvers. The decision on whether to raise the issue is political, but careful study is essential, especially in the event of denouncing the Establishment Treaty. Various governments in the past have mentioned the possibility of raising the issue in connection with the Cyprus solution, but the political climate and the avoidance of confrontation with the United Kingdom have kept the issue dormant. Mr. Konstantinidis stated that various options could be considered, such as renegotiating the status of the Bases with the possible return of land, changing the terms of use, or closer cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. However, denouncing the Treaty requires particular attention due to its legal implications. The issue of security can be used as an argument for changing the status of the Bases, as the discussion has been revived due to concerns about security in the region. However, raising the issue must be done carefully, taking into account the experience from other cases, such as the Chagos Archipelago in Mauritius, where the opinion of the International Court of Justice led to renegotiations. The professor stressed that the political decision to raise the issue must be accompanied by delicate maneuvers and legal processing, in order to avoid negative consequences and ensure the protection of Cyprus's interests.