Turkish Cyprus warns over France-Greek Cyprus defense pact
France's Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, left, and her Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas pose for photos after signing an agreement during an informal EU defense meeting in Nicosia, Monday, June 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Turkish Cypriot Prime Minister Ünal Üstel has criticized a military cooperation agreement between France and Greek Cyprus, covering military cooperation and the deployment of French troops in southern Cyprus, saying it could undermine security and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a written statement, Üstel said the Status of Forces Agreement, known as SOFA, posed risks not only to the security of Turkish Cypriots but also, in the long term, to Greek Cypriots.
He argued that France, which he said had no historical, geographical or political ties to Cyprus, was seeking to expand its military presence in the region.
