Turkey and Turkish Cypriot officials criticize new Cyprus-France defense agreement

The Republic of Cyprus and France recently signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), establishing a framework for military cooperation, including joint exercises, defense industry collaboration, and the stationing of military personnel. The Turkish Ministry of Defense and officials in the occupied territories, including 'prime minister' Unal Ustel, strongly condemned the move, labeling it illegal and a violation of the 1960 agreements. Ankara claims the agreement disrupts regional stability, ignores the rights of Turkish Cypriots, and serves to militarize the island. Turkish officials warned that such alliances against their interests would not succeed and stated they are prepared to respond to threats. Conversely, supporters view the agreement as a necessary step for security and regional cooperation. Turkish officials also denied recent allegations regarding the harassment of a plane carrying the Greek Minister of Defense. The agreement includes the use of facilities such as the 'Mari' naval base and 'Andreas Papandreou' air base.