The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has strongly condemned France after two French fighter jets violated its airspace over the Lefke region. The incident, which took place on December 20, 2024, involved low-altitude flights that caused widespread alarm among the local population.
Harsh Statement from TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the event, emphasizing that the violation of airspace endangered civilian lives. The statement included the following remarks:
“On December 20, 2024, French fighter jets violated our country’s airspace and conducted low-altitude flights over the Lefke region. We strongly condemn France for this violation, which has caused great concern among our people.”
The ministry also pointed out that military agreements made by the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) under the guise of “security threats” were exacerbating tensions in the region. It emphasized that the actions of French aircraft, stationed at the Paphos Air Base as part of a 2017 defense cooperation agreement between France and GCASC, were unacceptable.
“We Will Not Allow Threats to Our People’s Safety”
The TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such actions by France and GCASC threaten peace and stability in the region, declaring:
“We will never allow initiatives under the guise of strategic cooperation to endanger the peace and safety of the Turkish Cypriot people. We call on France and its supporters in the Greek administration to immediately halt activities that jeopardize regional security and to act with greater prudence.”
Agreements Between GCASC and France Escalate Tensions
Military cooperation agreements between France and GCASC have long been a source of controversy in the region. The 2017 defense cooperation agreement strengthened France’s military presence in GCASC, with the Paphos Air Base serving as a hub for French warplane operations.
These agreements have been deemed provocative by TRNC and Turkey, who argue that they not only undermine peace on the island but also threaten the broader security balance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Public Reaction: Anxiety and Anger
Residents of the Lefke region expressed significant anxiety after the low-altitude flights of the French warplanes. Social media posts regarding the incident featured widespread criticism, with many labeling the actions as deliberate provocations.
TRNC’s Call to the International Community
The TRNC government has urged all parties in the region to act with restraint and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions. It underlined the ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution between the Turkish and Greek communities on the island and called on external actors, such as France, to avoid undermining this process.
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