TRNC premier slams France-Greek Cypriot military deal
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has criticised a military cooperation agreement between France and the Greek Cypriot administration, warning it disrupts the Eastern Mediterranean’s fragile balance. He said no move targeting Türkiye or Turkish Cypriots’ legitimate rights will succeed.
The prime minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Ünal Üstel, on Monday criticised a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between France and the Greek Cypriot administration. In a written statement, Üstel argued that the deal poses risks not only to Turkish Cypriot security but also, in the long term, to Greek Cypriots themselves.
No historical ties
Üstel noted that France has no historical, geographical, or political ties to Cyprus but is seeking to expand its military presence in the region. He warned that such steps could disrupt the fragile balance in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing the agreement as “an extremely wrong step” that disregards the Turkish Cypriot side. “Those acting with the aim of changing the balances in the Eastern Mediterranean in their own favour should know very well that no initiative targeting the legitimate rights and interests of the Republic of Türkiye … and the Turkish Cypriot people will achieve its goal,” he said.
Türkiye’s position
Ankara has consistently opposed foreign military deployments to Cyprus that exclude the TRNC. Türkiye maintains a military presence in northern Cyprus under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee and has warned that arming the Greek Cypriot side undermines reunification efforts. The France‑Greek Cypriot deal follows similar agreements with Greece, Egypt, and Israel. Turkey has called for a two‑state solution on the island, a position rejected by the EU and most of the international community.
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