‘Trying to dominate’: In Cyprus, some fear Israel’s growing influence

Nicosia and Limassol, Cyprus – Heavily bearded and wearing a loose shirt collar, Christos Achniotis speaks about the history and demographics of Cyprus and runs off dates from memory.He was 16 when Turkish troops landed in Cyprus in mid-1974. At one point, Limassol has long had a large Russian community, he said, but that revolved around property investments.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why has Greece signed a $3.5bn missile deal with Israel?list 2 of 3Deep-sea search begins for 20 people missing in Cyprus ferry disasterlist 3 of 3‘Each country goes its own way’: How Balkan politics shape ties with Israelend of listNow, he believes there is pressure from Israel, which he says is “trying to dominate as much as possible, land-wise, company-wise”, as well as politically and militarily.Israel’s reach in Cyprus now runs through the state’s most vital systems.Christos Achniotis in Nicosia [Nils Adler/Al Jazeera]Mekorot, Israel’s state water company, helps supply the island’s water. Israel Aerospace Industries, a state-owned arms maker, is supplying its new air defences. And Israeli firms run a growing hospital network and hold a stake in the country’s largest gasfield.Is...