Ankara slams French military agreement with Greek Cyprus as destabilizing

Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence has condemned the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between France and the Greek Cypriot administration, describing the deal as a destabilizing step with potentially serious consequences for the island.

Ankara said the agreement, which regulates the legal status of French military personnel deployed in Cyprus, is an “ill-considered step” in a series of initiatives that could have dangerous implications for southern Cyprus, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In a statement, the Turkish Defence Ministry reiterated its readiness to take all necessary measures to safeguard the security of Turkish Cypriots in the face of what it called hostile actions. The ministry added that Ankara is closely monitoring developments and provocations that could escalate tensions and undermine stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“The agreement between France and Greek Cyprus is effectively aimed at unilaterally altering the sensitive balance on the island and disregarding the will and rights of Turkish Cypriots to sovereign equality. This agreement contradicts the 1960 Cyprus accords,” the statement said.

The ministry also noted that France is not one of the guarantor powers under the Cyprus settlement framework and argued that any military alliance intended to undermine the interests and rights of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is destined to fail.

“The Turkish Armed Forces possess all the capabilities and determination necessary to respond in the strongest possible manner to threats against the security of Turkish Cypriots,” the ministry stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva