Britain condemns Cyprus base riots

Britain today condemned clashes in Cyprus between British soldiers and protesters over the controversial construction of radio…

Britain today condemned clashes in Cyprus between British soldiers and protesters over the controversial construction of radio masts suspected of posing a health hazard.

The violence was completely unacceptable, Foreign Secretary Mr Straw told BBC radio.

British troops and anti-riot police fought overnight with scores of angry Greek-Cypriots outside Akrotiri, the largest air force facility London retains outside Britain.

At least 31 people were injured.

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The protests started yesterday after the arrest of a Cypriot MP who had been caught allegedly trying to break into Akrotiri base, on the southern tip of Cyprus.

Maverick MP Mr Marios Matsakis, who has led anti-bases demonstrations in the past, is heading a campaign by local residents against the construction of 300-foot masts.

Locals say emissions could cause cancer, but Britain denies the new masts will pose a danger to health.

The Cypriot government has openly expressed reservations about the project and has asked for work to be delayed until new electromagnetic tests are done.

But the government has condemned the overnight violence and Cypriot President Mr Glafcos Clerides is expected to make a statement later today.