Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus will continue to sign international agreements regardless of external criticism, citing the Republic’s sovereign rights as an EU and UN member state. His remarks came as Turkish Cypriot leaders criticised Cyprus’ expanding defence and diplomatic partnerships, including a planned Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with France.
Cyprus position on agreements and negotiations
Christodoulides said it is time for everyone to realise that Cyprus is an EU member state and a UN member and will continue to sign agreements that highlight the international status of the republic and address current challenges. He added that Cyprus participates in negotiations in a dual capacity, both as the de facto leader of the Greek Cypriot community and as the internationally recognised state authority on issues including guarantees.
Criticism from the north over planned agreement with France
The comments followed renewed criticism from the north over Cyprus’ expanding defence and diplomatic partnerships, including a planned SOFA with France that would allow French military personnel to be present on the island for operational and humanitarian purposes.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman criticised recent agreements, including the one with France, in a social media post and questioned whether a solution could be achieved while Turkish Cypriots are excluded from key decision-making processes. He asked whether a solution is possible by ignoring Turkish Cypriots.
The north’s ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel described the arrangement as extremely dangerous, provocative, and an unacceptable step, arguing it could seriously damage the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity on the island. He said French involvement reflected what he described as a broader disregard for Turkish Cypriot consent in decisions affecting the island’s security architecture.
Government response and work on the Cyprus issue
The government has said all agreements are conducted within the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus and within its international obligations. Christodoulides also said preparatory work is ongoing on the Cyprus issue at multiple levels and that the government is ready to respond at short notice.
How do you think Cyprus’ international agreements affect prospects for progress on the Cyprus issue?