Cyprus spy mast may be ‘health risk’

Date: 11/07/02

THE UK's plans to erect a 500,000-watt radio mast at its military listening base in Cyprus have been sharply rebuked by Green MEPs, who fear that it will damage the environment and pose a health risk.

The antenna will be sited on a planned nature reserve and the Greens claim its electromagnetic emissions could affect ecosystems in the area, which lies on an important migration route for many species of birds.

Cyprus, a front runner in the EU enlargement talks, is calling for the wetlands near the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri to be listed as 'Ramsar' site, indicating its high conservation value.

Green group chief Monica Frassoni said the mast should not be constructed before a study assessing its environmental impact is completed. 'Last year we asked the British government to stop the installation of more antennae in Akrotiri but obviously they have not been listening,' she said.

London insists the antenna is not dangerous. Akrotiri is one of two 'sovereign bases' which the British Army retains in Cyprus. Its Royal Signals listening post is used to spy on countries such as Iraq and Iran.

The UK's plans to erect a 500,000-watt radio mast at its military listening base in Cyprus have been criticised by Green MEPs, who fear that it will damage the environment and pose a health risk.