British Defence Minister Say's Cyprus Bases A "High Priority"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 17, 2011 -- Speaking before the House of Commons, Hammonds said that a study has been completed on the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, as a part of a review about the Strategic Defence and Security.

According to the Defence Secretary, “the Government accepts its recommendations and confirms Her Majesty`s Government`s enduring commitment to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus”.

“The Sovereign Base areas are in a region of geo-political importance and high priority for the United Kingdom`s long term national security interests”, he further said.

Hammonds underlined that the Sovereign Base Areas provide an adaptable and capable forward mounting base, the utility of which has been amply demonstrated. He gave further examples on that, including the basing of RAF aircraft that participated in operations over Libya, the regular deployment of Cyprus-based military personnel to Afghanistan and the key role played as a logistic hub for operations in Afghanistan.CNA

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