| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq |
| US seeks access to Cyprus airspace for Iraq war |
| 2003-03-19 |
| NICOSIA, March 19 (Reuters) - The United States, poised to launch a war on Iraq, has asked for access to Cypriot airports and airspace on Wednesday. Cyprus lies just south of Turkey, already has an agreement with Washington for use of facilities relating to the US-led fight against terror. The US wants this accord to cover Iraq-related operations. Cyprus, a candidate for European Union membership, appeared to rule out the possibility of allowing the US to use facilities for an Iraqi offensive. " It would be for purely humanitarian reasons," said Defence Minister Koullis Mavronicolas. "That means there would be no role for Cyprus's ports or airports in the event of a war". Under the existing agreement dating from 2001, US aircraft can use refuelling facilities at Larnaca and Paphos airports and its vessels can freely dock at the island's ports. Britain, the USA's closest ally on Iraq, is allowed unrestricted use of Cypriot airspace under a 1959 treaty which gave the former colony independence. Its RAF base at Akrotiri in southern Cyprus is a refuelling and supplies post. That's convenient, sounds like the Brits can do whatever they want to. |
| Posted by:becky |