Turkey and Turkish Cypriot administration protest Cyprus-France defense agreement

The Republic of Cyprus and France are set to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in June, which covers humanitarian missions, security, and civilian evacuations. The Turkish Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Cypriot authorities have formally protested the agreement, claiming it disturbs regional stability and the balance of power on the island. Ankara asserts that such initiatives are invalid under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee and lack a clear security justification. Furthermore, the Turkish Cypriot Social Justice and Struggle Party (TAM) sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General, expressing concerns that the agreement increases the militarization of the region. Conversely, the Republic of Cyprus views the cooperation as a sovereign right of a recognized EU member state. Turkish analysts suggest the French presence is largely symbolic and political, aimed at bolstering ties with Nicosia and Athens rather than posing a direct military threat to Turkey. The UN Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) was also mentioned in the context of the Turkish Cypriot opposition to the deal.