Cyprus-Forum.com

[paliometoxo]

maybe, but they are withdrawing troops from cyprus slowly and taking away the bases to save money.

[georgios100]

Georgios, I think you will find that, the report that palio has posted is out dated. I believe others reports by the MoD have since been announced that dhekelia is staying put.

Wishful thinking on your part I'm afraid.

I read this article dated March 18, 2010 (today). Don't know why you say it's outdated? I posted a comment as well... The SBA issue will remain untill we clear then of,f my friend.
link
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/briti ... ment-11869

Georgios100

[apc2010]

If public opinion couldn't remove the bases after 3 british soldiers raped and killed a danish tour rep,I cannot see how you can achieve it?

[georgios100]

BRITISH base authorities are planning to axe 166 civilian and military jobs in what will be first major lay-off by the Ministry of Defence in Cyprus.
The announcement puts an end to months of speculation about plans to streamline bases operations, which costs the UK government over £300 million a year to maintain.
The MOD said that most jobs will likely go by the end of this year, adding that it proposes to consult with staff and trade unions about the cuts within weeks.
The move is not connected to British government attempts to dig deeper for a fresh round of savings in the defence sector after a budget overspill of £6 billion.
Bases spokesman Stuart Bardsley confirmed that jobs would be lost at both Dhekelia and Akrotiri bases, with the deepest cuts being felt in the engineering and logistics sector.
“In order to create efficiency and remain within our allocated budget we have to do things differently and as with any other business the majority of our budget is spent on salaries,” he said.
Bardsley told the Cyprus Mail that job losses would be kept to a minimum and “sensitively handled” in accordance with employment regulations.
For locally employed staff, a preference exercise will also be conducted offering alternative employment, if suitable job opportunities can be found - or an early release package.
Military personnel numbers will be adjusted through an evaluation of the length of their postings to Cyprus.
Cyprus is currently home to about 3,500 soldiers and employs over 1,000 civilians, with Akrotiri being the largest RAF base outside the UK.
The redundancy announcement follows on the heels of a series of unpopular widespread spending cuts on the bases which saw budgets for cleaning, house maintenance and school transport being slashed.
Speculation has been rife that the future of Dhekelia hangs in the balance after press reports have claimed the eastern base will be shut down after a Strategic Defence Review later this year.
With a series of sweeping changes being predicted in the review, it’s thought that Cyprus has already been earmarked for the biggest cuts.
It is understood that closing the sprawling Dhekelia base would save £100m sterling a year.
Cyprus is used by British troops as a forward post, with a battalion of infantry stationed here as reinforcements for Afghanistan, and troops returning from the front line are posted to Akrotiri for rest and recuperation between operations.
The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged that it faces financial challenges, but noted the Treasury has already pledged that not a penny will be cut from the budget this year.
However it said “it is not possible to give a meaningful assessment beyond 2010-2011 as future spending plans have not yet been set.”

Thanks for the info Palio. I posted a comment as well

Georgios100

[georgios100]

If public opinion couldn't remove the bases after 3 british soldiers raped and killed a danish tour rep,I cannot see how you can achieve it?

I can't do it by myself. But we can do it. We can join forces and begin demonstrations to apply pressure on the Brits. I need your help. Are you willing to help?

Georgios100

[apc2010]

Only if it would not effect the economy,10,000 people with cash on the hip is alot to lose, whether british or german or whoever

[georgios100]

If public opinion couldn't remove the bases after 3 british soldiers raped and killed a danish tour rep,I cannot see how you can achieve it?

I found the article, thanks.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/19/military.world

I am researching the SBAs for weeks now. A lot of negative stuff is piling up on my desk. Perhaps a good story for CNN, AP or other news organizations to feed upon. Bad press for the SBAs is power to us.

Georgios100

[paliometoxo]

np george:)

[Smiler Brian]

I'm certain this has been asked, and answered, a squillion times but here goes.

Where would the "Green line" be if the bases had not been here in 1974?

[georgios100]

Only if it would not effect the economy,10,000 people with cash on the hip is alot to lose, whether british or german or whoever

The economy issue... Hmmm

Just think, 92 square kms of prime oceanfront real estate, what's your price tag on that? Do the math... the figure is astronomical! Not to mention the construction frenzy to develop, the jobs created, infrastructure projects, marinas, parks etc.

Georgios100