Parliament approved a resolution on Thursday condemning the Iranian drone attack on the British Bases in Cyprus and underlining the need to ensure stability in the region.
The resolution submitted by DISY, DIKO and DIPA was approved with 28 votes in favour, 16 against and 4 abstentions, whilst AKEL’s alternative resolution was rejected.
DISY, DIKO, DIPA, ELAM and independent MP Andreas Themistokleous voted in favour, whilst AKEL MPs and Irene Charalambides and Kostis Efstathiou voted against.
The Greens, EDEK and Alexandra Attalidou abstained.
The approved resolution unequivocally condemns the Iranian attack that occurred within the territory of the British Bases in Cyprus using an unmanned aerial vehicle, noting that the Republic of Cyprus is not involved in any military operations.
It also expresses concern about Iran’s attacks against states in the region that are also not involved in conflicts, such as Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Parliament underlines the need to ensure stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, whilst condemning Iran’s historically destabilising role and its support for organisations such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.
The resolution welcomes Greece’s practical presence in Cyprus, describing it as a strong indication of solidarity that strengthens the security of the Cypriot people and confirms the unbreakable ties between the two states.
Particular reference is made to the presence of the frigates Kimon and Psara, as well as aircraft of the Greek air force, which are noted as tangible proof of the strategic and defence cooperation between Greece and Cyprus for safeguarding peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
France’s decision for defence support is also recorded, as well as the intention to send forces from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
The resolution emphasises that the Republic of Cyprus remains a pillar of stability, peace and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the defence of freedom, democracy and international legality is an obligation and historic duty.
It also stresses the importance of continuous European solidarity towards Cyprus and the need for the European Union’s defence support to remain stable and substantial.
Parliament calls on the international community and the United Nations to proceed with clear and explicit condemnation of Iran’s actions that constitute a threat to regional peace, whilst calling on all involved states to show responsibility and restraint.
It also appeals to the European Union to proceed decisively with building a common defence and security policy that will guarantee the security of all member states.
Finally, it calls on the Cyprus government to further strengthen civil protection, as well as the country’s defence and deterrent capabilities, in close and continuous cooperation with Greece, whilst strengthening regional cooperations within the “3+1” strategic cooperation framework between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States.
AKEL’s alternative resolution, titled “Immediate termination of hostilities in the Middle East, respect for international law and protection of the Republic of Cyprus from the dangers created by the presence of British bases on its territory,” did not secure the required majority.
During the debate, independent socialist MP Kostis Efstathiou said he would not support either resolution, claiming the DISY-DIKO-DIPA draft does not make clear reference to violation of international legality.
Attalidou announced her abstention, criticising the procedure of submitting resolutions during the plenary session and stating she does not identify with policies that ignore the role of international law.
Charalambides said the two resolutions serve different ideological approaches and do not prioritise Cyprus, stating she would vote against them.
She also criticised the fact that suggestions for amending the resolutions were not accepted.
The Greens also abstained, with president Stavros Papadouris noting there is common ground on other issues but not on this specific matter, as did EDEK through Ilias Myrianthous, who pointed out that both texts have positive elements but also serious gaps.