Issued on: 09/05/2026 - 12:21
Ankara has voiced alarm at Cyprus’s announcement that France will deploy soldiers on the Mediterranean island. The move has fuelled Turkish fears of encirclement, as Cyprus and Greece continue to deepen defence ties with Turkey’s rival Israel.
Turkish officials have strongly criticised France’s plan to send soldiers to Cyprus, warning it could escalate tensions.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup backed by Greece. The north is governed by a Turkish Cypriot administration recognised only by Turkey.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the French deployment is part of a Status of Forces Agreement to be signed in June.
