TRNC Prime Minister Üstel reacts sharply to the GASC-France agreement: Warning on foreign military personnel

A sharp reaction has come from the TRNC regarding the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between France and the GASC, which allows French soldiers to be stationed in the GASC under certain conditions.

In a written statement, TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel expressed that the agreement is an extremely misguided step that ignores the current realities of the Island of Cyprus, the fundamental principles of international law, and the balances that must be carefully maintained in the region.

"A product of a unilateral mindset that ignores the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people"

Üstel stated that the agreement is the product of a unilateral mindset that disregards the current situation on the island and the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people, noting that this approach, detached from historical, legal, and political realities, cannot contribute to peace, stability, and an environment of trust in the region.

"It turns the island into a part of military competition"

Prime Minister Üstel stated that since GASC leader Nikos Christodoulides took office, he has taken systematic steps to turn the Greek side into a hub for the deployment of foreign military elements. Üstel said, "These policies are worrying developments not only for the security of Cyprus but for the entire Eastern Mediterranean. This approach, which aims to turn the island from a ground for cooperation and dialogue into a part of military competition, will result in nothing but increased regional tension."

"A legal basis has been established"

Üstel expressed that the signed agreement establishes a legal basis for making the presence of foreign military personnel on the island more permanent, stating that France's attempts to increase its military presence in the region, despite having no historical, geographical, or political ties to the Island of Cyprus, are of a nature that will negatively affect the delicate balances in the Eastern Mediterranean. In his statement, Üstel also touched upon the military and strategic cooperation the Greek administration has developed with Israel and France, noting that these policies distance Cyprus from the axis of peace and stability and deepen polarization in the region.

"A permanent solution lies in sovereign equality and equal status"

Prime Minister Üstel stated that the signing of such a military agreement at a time when the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, is continuing her contacts on the island and efforts are being made to encourage dialogue between the parties does not serve constructive efforts. The TRNC Prime Minister said, "As the Turkish Cypriot side, we once again emphasize our belief that a permanent solution, sustainable stability, and true peace on the island will only be possible through the acceptance of the sovereign equality of the two peoples and the equal international status of the two states."

Sending a message to circles acting to change the balances in the Eastern Mediterranean in their favor, Üstel stated that no initiative targeting the legitimate rights and interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot people will achieve its goal. Üstel said, "The negative consequences that such steps will cause will primarily affect the security of the Greek administration and regional stability. It is in the common interest of all parties to pursue policies that encourage cooperation rather than increase tension."

Prime Minister Üstel invited the international community to take into account the realities of Cyprus, to remain committed to international law, and to respect the existing two-state reality in Cyprus.

News Source: 12punto