Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler called the recently signed defense cooperation agreement between Cyprus and France...

Turkey's Defense Minister Yasar Guler called the recently signed defense cooperation agreement between Cyprus and France illegal under international law, warning it could drag both countries into a conflict. Speaking from Ankara, Guler argued that France lacks the status of a guarantor power on Cyprus, which in his view makes the agreement illegitimate. He said the deal "disturbs sensitive balances and is contrary to international law," and that Turkey would do "whatever is necessary" as a guarantor power in response. Guler went further, warning that the agreement risks making Cyprus and France "part of conflicts and crises," and insisted that any alliance targeting Turkey's interests has no chance of success given Turkey's military strength and geostrategic position. He claimed Turkish armed forces have "the power, the capabilities, and the unwavering will to respond to hostile actions targeting the security of Turkish Cypriots." Turkey has stationed troops in northern Cyprus since its 1974 invasion, which it justifies by citing its role as a guarantor power under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee. The Republic of Cyprus, the European Union, and the international community do not recognize the Turkish-backed northern administration. The Cyprus-France defense deal, which Guler referred to as an agreement with the "Greek Cypriot administration," is the latest in a series of security partnerships Cyprus has pursued with EU members to bolster its defenses. France has been deepening military ties across the Eastern Mediterranean in recent years. Guler's remarks represent one of Ankara's sharpest responses yet to Cyprus securing external defense partnerships, and signal Turkey intends to treat such agreements as threats to what it considers its own sphere of influence over the island. #Cyprus #Turkey #EasternMediterranean