Cyprus President Seeks Base Talks with UK

0:00It's March 19th. Here's your global news in two minutes. Cipriot President Nikos Krista-Deletes says the United Kingdom's two military bases on Cyprus are left over from colonial times, and he wants open. Talks about their future with Britain once Middle East tensions ease. He made these comments to the BBC while heading to an EU leader summit in Brussels. The bases, Aquatiri and Akelia, were granted to the UK under the 1960 Treaty when Cyprus gained independence. Earlier this month, drones targeted RAF Akelia, right after the start of the US and Israeli conflict involving Iran. Officials believe they came from Lebanon, launched by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. British forces shot down two drones, but a third caused only minor damage to the base. Protesters on Cyprus argue the bases turn the island into a target amid regional fighting. Krista-Deletes highlighted that more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens work there, and his government feels responsible for their safety.

1:00He stressed the clear stance on the bases, but won't negotiate in public. The UK has ramped up its military presence and response, sending the frigate HMS Dragon to the area. Allies jumped in, too, with two Greek frigates, a French naval ship, and a Spanish frigate arriving quickly off Cyprus to support the effort. UK Defense Secretary John Healey visited RAF Aquatiri on March 5th, and noted that military ties with Cyprus have never been stronger, backed by NATO. Partners like the US, France, Greece, and Germany, Healey quoted Cyprus's National Guard Head praising the close cooperation, Dean and his sponsor by our partner. Your bedtime ritual just got better. Wilton Sound, Wilton Comfort, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.