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Cyprus, France Sign Defense Pact; Turkey Calls It Void

6/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The defense pact announced by President Nikos Christodoulides and President Emmanuel Macron permits French troops to be stationed, trained and operate in Cyprus while respecting its sovereignty.
The pact outlines coordination, technology links, joint exercises, personnel exchanges and arrangements for French forces.
The Turkish Cypriot administration declared the agreement void.
Turkey, which does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, says only Ankara acknowledges the Turkish-Cypriot north and rejects the deal.

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Story summary

The defense pact announced by President Nikos Christodoulides and President Emmanuel Macron permits French troops to be stationed, trained and operate in Cyprus while respecting its sovereignty.
The pact outlines coordination, technology links, joint exercises, personnel exchanges and arrangements for French forces.
The Turkish Cypriot administration declared the agreement void.
Turkey, which does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, says only Ankara acknowledges the Turkish-Cypriot north and rejects the deal.