Foreign Ministry Condemns French Airspace Violation

In a statement, the ministry criticized the violation of the airspace of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by French fighter jets stationed at Paphos under a 2017 “Defense Cooperation Agreement” between France and the Greek Cypriot Administration. The jets' low-altitude flights over Lefke on December 20, 2024, were described as jeopardizing human safety and raising serious concerns among the public.

The statement read:

“Under the 2017 Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between the Greek Cypriot Administration and France, French fighter jets stationed at Paphos violated our airspace on December 20, 2024, conducting low-altitude flights over Lefke and causing significant public alarm. We strongly condemn this violation by France.

The Greek Cypriot side has been entering into bilateral military agreements under the pretense of a ‘security threat’ and escalating tensions in the region. We emphasize that the strategic support and military cooperation extended to the Greek Cypriot Administration under the guise of partnership will not be allowed to threaten the peace and security of the Turkish Cypriot people.

We once again urge all relevant parties, including France, to immediately cease actions that endanger regional security and to act with prudence.”