Kouris Mayor Pantelis Georgiou has expressed significant concerns regarding British Bases plans for new antenna installations, stating they signify a gradual militarisation of the entire Akrotiri area.
During a village-wide meeting on Wednesday evening, residents decided to escalate their response by pursuing legal action and mobilising against the developments. Georgiou highlighted that the meeting addressed the historical context of the project and recent changes to its design.
What began as a limited initiative to replace existing antennas has evolved into a substantial undertaking, according to information available to the municipality. Georgiou noted, “Today we’re talking about a ten-year project,” which includes the installation of 68 new antennas in the first phase, with an equal number earmarked for a second phase. The third phase, however, remains vaguely defined.
Adding to the complexity, the first phase also encompasses the construction of two new operational buildings, alongside a third structure adjacent to existing facilities. This diverges from prior assurances given to local authorities, which indicated that the existing building would be demolished and the area restored for public use.
“We decided to proceed with legal measures,” Georgiou stated, confirming that the municipality has involved the Republic of Cyprus, which has requested additional time to assess the situation. Legal opinions are expected within the next two to three weeks, prompting the municipality to prepare for further action, including resident mobilisation.
Highlighting the potential implications of the project, Georgiou argued that the expansion of the installations’ zone drastically alters the character of Akrotiri. He described the area as becoming a substantial military target, with a zone expansion covering approximately 450,000 square metres that, alongside the airport, encircles an entire community.
Concerns over environmental impacts have also been raised, particularly regarding potential damage to an area long regarded as an environmental asset for Limassol, protected under the Ramsar Convention. The mayor warned that extensive construction could lead to irreversible harm.
On the subject of health implications related to electromagnetic radiation from the new antennae, Georgiou noted that local authorities have yet to receive the necessary studies they requested. “We’ve only been given verbal assurances,” he remarked, indicating that emissions were purportedly within permissible limits, though official studies requested through the Foreign Ministry remain outstanding.
When asked about the British Bases’ consideration of local residents and authorities’ opinions, Georgiou suggested that they operate under the assumption that they can act without regard for the community’s concerns. He expressed doubt that the current developments align with the intentions of the 1960 Treaties, arguing that the Bases have effectively transformed the area into a military operational base, including resupply and espionage activities.
Georgiou emphasised the need for the Republic of Cyprus to treat these developments seriously, stating, “The militarisation of the entire area is being pursued, and the victims of this militarisation are the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus themselves.”
