Üstel: SOFA Agreement Will Increase Regional Tension

In a written statement, Üstel strongly criticized the agreement signed between the Greek Cypriot Administration and France’s defence ministers.

Üstel said the SOFA agreement is a “highly wrong step” that disregards the current realities of Cyprus, the basic principles of international law, and the delicate balance that must be maintained in the region.

He argued that the agreement reflects a unilateral mindset that ignores the existing status quo on the island and the existence of the Turkish Cypriot people, adding that such an approach, detached from historical, legal and political facts, cannot contribute to peace, stability or security.

Üstel stated that Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides has been systematically pursuing policies aimed at turning the south of the island into a hub for foreign military presence since taking office, warning that this approach raises concerns for the security of both Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.

He said the agreement creates a legal basis for making the presence of foreign military personnel on the island more permanent, and described France’s efforts to expand its military presence in a region with no historical, geographical or political ties to Cyprus as a development that could negatively affect regional balances.

Üstel also said the Greek Cypriot Administration’s growing military and strategic cooperation with what he described as “genocidal Israel” and “colonial France” is pushing Cyprus away from peace and stability and deepening regional polarisation, adding that these policies also pose risks to the security of Greek Cypriots in the long term.

He further argued that signing such an agreement at a time when the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus is conducting contacts on the island and efforts are underway to encourage dialogue undermines confidence-building efforts.

Reiterating the Turkish Cypriot position, Üstel said a lasting solution and sustainable stability in Cyprus can only be achieved through recognition of the sovereign equality of the two peoples and the equal international status of two states.

He added that no initiative targeting the legitimate rights and interests of Türkiye and the Turkish Cypriot people would succeed, and called on the international community to respect the realities on the island and international law.

Üstel concluded that policies increasing tension serve no one’s interests and that cooperation-oriented approaches would benefit all sides.