Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA — The Republic of Cyprus does not envision playing a major
role in any NATO air campaign against Syria.

A senior Cypriot official said the two British bases on the eastern
Mediterranean island would probably not be used for air strikes against the
regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Cyprus, less than 160 kilometers from Syria, has served as a major NATO base for the Middle East.

“I have the impression that the British bases won’t play any primary role because they are not needed.” Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said. “But we will have to see.”

For its part, Britain has not acknowledged any preparations for a war against Syria from Cyprus. Officials said the British air force has not intensified operations on the island.

In an interview on Cypriot state radio on Aug. 28, Kasoulides dismissed British newspaper reports that Royal Air Force fighter-jets would take off from Cyprus. Another British daily, Guardian, reported the arrival of U.S.-origin fighter-jets and air transports to the British base at Akrotiri.

The foreign minister said Nicosia received assurances that his
government would be consulted. Kasoulides said Nicosia supported a military
operation against Syria.

“There won’t be any surprises,” Kasoulides said.

  Bashar Assad, Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, key base for NATO, Nicosia, signals it won’t play major role in Syrian campaign