Keep Cyprus Out of Libya War - Govt. Spokesman

The government has informed the British that it wants the island kept out of the military intervention in Libya because of its relationship with Arab countries in the region and the political problems it faces with the Turkish occupation, said government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou.

Yesterday, President Demetris Christofias said that military operations from the Sovereign Bases were "not blessed" by the government, but that he could do nothing about them because of the agreement between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus.

The British base of Akrotiri is being used for supply and support services for a coalition military operation against Libya government forces, said Stefanou. Using Akrotiri Airbase is allowed according to the Treaty of Establishment of the base, he said.

Allies pound Libya with airstrikes

Aiming for quick control over Libya, allies are pounding strategic targets with airstrikes. The objective of the operation is to protect civilians and enforce a no-fly zone over the country.

Military options short of an invasion were sanctioned by the United Nations in a resolution last week.

The joint military operation dubbed Operation Odyssey Dawn led by the UK, France and the USA is in its second day of aerial bombardments on targets in Libya.