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Turkey Calls Cyprus-France Troop Pact Illegal, Threatening Stability

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler warned in Belgium that the Cyprus-France defense pact threatens regional stability.
He said the Nicosia agreement signed by French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas lets France station troops on Cyprus, calling it illegal and a breach of international law.
He warned that the pact could upset Eastern Mediterranean security balance and Turkey is ready to act for Turkish Cypriots.

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Story summary

Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler warned in Belgium that the Cyprus-France defense pact threatens regional stability.
He said the Nicosia agreement signed by French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas lets France station troops on Cyprus, calling it illegal and a breach of international law.
He warned that the pact could upset Eastern Mediterranean security balance and Turkey is ready to act for Turkish Cypriots.