France-Chypre: enjeux et perspectives

In: Politique internationale: pi, Heft 118, S. 383-388

Abstract

Since 1192, when Guy de Lusignan, a noble from the Poitou region, purchased the island of Cyprus from Richard the Lionhearted, the bonds between France & Cyprus have never wavered. In times of trouble, the Cypriots know they can count on French support: during the Turkish invasion in 1974, at the proclamation of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983, & throughout the long process of joining the European Union. Cyprus & France signed a defense pact in February 2007, further strengthening their relationship. A friend of Israel & all Arab countries in the Near East, Cyprus is ready to play a pivotal role in the vast Mediterranean Union project proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Adapted from the source document.