France and Cyprus signed a military agreement in Nicosia allowing French troops to train and operate on the island. Cyprus says it's strictly humanitarian. Turkey says it upsets the island's balance. The TRNC called the deal "null and void."
Alerts
Wizz Air Cancels All Flights to Israel
Wizz Air has canceled all flights to Israel through at least tomorrow. A plane bound for Ben Gurion was diverted to Cyprus. - N12
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Alerts
Israeli Navy to Board Gaza Flotilla
Israeli Navy forces are set to board a Gaza-bound flotilla organized by the Turkish IHH within the next hour. The intercept will occur in international waters near Cyprus, hundreds of miles off Israel's coast.
Global
Cyprus to Sign SOFA for French Forces
Greek Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides:
"Soon, in June, the SOFA agreement will be signed, which will concern the hosting of French forces on Cypriot territory in the context of 'humanitarian operations' in our region."
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Global
Greece Cyprus Israel US Meeting Set
A “3+1” meeting involving Greece, Cyprus, Israel and the United States will be held in June in Washington.
@GreekReporterr
Global
Fidan Warns on Israel-Cyprus-Greece Pact
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Israel-Cyprus-Greece alliance:
This is not only a source of concern for Turkey.
All Muslim countries in the region are seriously worried and asking questions, especially considering Israel’s recent ...
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Israel-Cyprus-Greece alliance:
This is not only a source of concern for Turkey.
All Muslim countries in the region are seriously worried and asking questions, especially considering Israel’s recent expansionist and aggressive policies in the region.
It is not correct to claim that Turkey is unnecessarily creating concern here. There are realities, there are facts, there are people’s concerns.
Turkey is capable of protecting itself.
But there are countries in the region that are weaker in nature and look at this military alliance with concern.
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Signals
US C-17s Spotted at Paphos Airport Cyprus
EXCLUSIVE: Four U.S. C-17s spotted at Paphos Airport, Cyprus
Global
Fidan Questions Greek-Israeli Defense Ties
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:
"Neither Greece nor Southern Cyprus needs military cooperation with Israel. Greece is already a member of NATO, and Southern Cyprus has the backing of the EU. What strategic logic could justify seeking this kind of cooperation is something they cannot explain to me either. This is most likely an imposition on the government made under external pressure."
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Leaders
Lebanese Journalist Calls for Action Against Hezbollah
Lebanese journalist Rami Naim:
“The Syrian Army should enter Lebanon to eliminate the ‘cancer’ of Hezbollah, and Cyprus should bomb Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut.”
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Middle East
UK Bases in Cyprus Won't Strike Iran
Cyprus government says the UK has confirmed its military bases in Cyprus will not be used for offensive operations against Iran.
Europe
French Officer Leaks Carrier Location
A French naval officer exposed the location of aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle by posting a workout on Strava. The run revealed the carrier’s exact position in the Mediterranean near Cyprus, creating a major security risk. - Le Monde.
Middle East
Lebanese Journalist Calls for Action Against Hezbollah
Lebanese journalist Rami Naim:
“The Syrian Army should enter Lebanon to eliminate the ‘cancer’ of Hezbollah, and Cyprus should strike Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut.”
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