TRNC warns France over airspace violations, vows joint action with Türkiye

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has issued a stern warning to France over its involvement in airspace violations, stressing its readiness to act in coordination with Türkiye to safeguard the region's sovereignty.

The statement, released by the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows reports that the Greek Cypriot authorities granted permission for French Air Force flights over the northern part of Cyprus, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ministry.

The TRNC denounced this move as a "reckless act" and reaffirmed that all air traffic over Northern Cyprus has been under the control of the Ercan Air Traffic Control Center since 1977.

"Any actions that contradict the functions of this Center are highly dangerous and illegal," the statement read. "Unfortunately, countries like France, by turning a blind eye to the Greek Cypriot side, fail to recognize the full extent of the threat posed by their actions."

The TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs further underscored that Nicosia will not tolerate any "reckless actions" in the region. The statement emphasized that, in collaboration with Türkiye, the TRNC retains the right to take all necessary measures to protect its airspace and regional security.

The growing tension comes as the geopolitical situation in Cyprus remains a flashpoint, with the island's division between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north continuing to fuel disputes. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Türkiye, has long faced international challenges to its sovereignty, with the Greek Cypriot side receiving support from European powers such as France.

To recall, on December 20, 2024, French fighter jets stationed in Paphos, Cyprus, under a 2017 Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Greek Cypriot Administration, violated the airspace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). These aircraft conducted low-altitude flights over the Lefke region, endangering civilian lives and causing significant public concern.

The TRNC Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing that such actions threaten the peace and security of the Turkish Cypriot people. The ministry called on all relevant parties, particularly France, to cease activities that endanger regional security and to act with common sense.

In response, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense summoned the French military attaché to address the violation of TRNC airspace.

By Khagan Isayev