Demonstrators call on Cyprus to sever links with countries attacking Iran

Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace and the foreign ministry on Thursday afternoon, demanding that Cyprus cease any and all cooperation with nations either directly engaged in or supporting the military strikes on Iran.

Taking part in the protest were members of various groups – United For Palestine, Anatropi, Neda, BDS Cyprus, Genocide-Free Cyprus, Far-Right Watch, and Voices for Peace.

The demonstrators also called for the removal of the British bases from Cyprus.

According to Markos Economou, of the United For Palestine group, the central message conveyed by the participants is that “this war is not happening because of a crazy leader of the world [meaning US President Donald Trump] who decided to attack Iran, but as part of US plans to control raw materials and especially oil across the globe”.

Cypriots have nothing to gain from this grand game of resources competition, he added.

In a press release later, the groups said they demand from both President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos that they cease any cooperation – military or otherwise – between Cyprus and Greece, the United States, Israel and all those who support the intervention in Iran.

It said the “unjustified and merciless bombing of Iran” by the United States and its allies – Israel, Britain and the EU – puts in danger the peoples of the Middle East and beyond.

“The US military intervention in Iran has nothing whatsoever to do with preventing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons or the lack of democracy, since lack of democracy is manifest in all the Gulf monarchies, especially Saudi Arabia as well as the Israeli apartheid state.”

Another demonstration outside the presidential palace is being planned for Saturday.