Ünal Üstel has criticised the planned defence agreement between Cyprus and France, arguing that it risks destabilising the island and reflects what he described as a broader shift by the European Union away from neutrality on the Cyprus issue.
In a written statement reported in the north, Üstel, who serves as “prime minister” in the Turkish Cypriot administration, described the agreement providing for a French military presence in Cyprus as evidence that the Greek Cypriot leadership and the EU have “completely deviated from rational and logical policies”.
He argued that efforts by the Greek Cypriot side to build new military balances were misguided and could endanger the island’s security. “Although the planned agreement with France is presented with the rhetoric of ‘humanitarian purposes’, it is clear that it forms part of the armament policies and regional strategic calculations of southern Cyprus,” he claimed.
Üstel further alleged that such policies were turning Cyprus into “a playground for international military forces”.
Criticism of EU stance
Referring to recent remarks by Ursula von der Leyen, Üstel said they demonstrated once again that the EU had “completely lost its neutrality” on the Cyprus issue. He also reiterated claims about what he described as unfulfilled EU promises to Turkish Cypriots since 2004.
“The same mentality today ignores the sovereign equality and equal international status rights of the Turkish Cypriot people,” he said.
Üstel added that lasting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean could only be achieved through policies that respect the rights of both sides, not through what he described as exclusionary approaches. He said the Turkish Cypriot side would continue, “in full harmony” with Turkey, to defend its rights, security and sovereignty.
Reaction from assembly speaker
Separately, Ziya Öztürkler, described as “speaker of the assembly”, said France should understand that the balance on the island was not determined by foreign troops but by Turkey’s presence.
“Do not attempt to create new games in the shadow of your colonial past,” he said, adding that no military exercise could alter what he described as Turkey’s role alongside Turkish Cypriots.
Speaking at a reception, Öztürkler also criticised joint military exercises between the Cypriot National Guard and France, claiming they contradicted rhetoric on peace and stability and instead heightened tensions.
Referring to remarks by Emmanuel Macron that a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) would be signed in June, he said this signalled the creation of a new military structure on the island.
He concluded by stating that such initiatives ignored the will of Turkish Cypriots and that they would not remain silent in response.
Source: CNA