Cypriot Foreign Minister George Lillikas dismissed on Friday Turkey's objection to a Cyprus-France defense agreement, which Ankara claimed would lead to instability in the region.

"I think the last who is legalized to talk and plead for stability and peace in the region is Turkey," Lillikas was quoted by local media as saying.

France and Cyprus signed an agreement on defense cooperation in Paris on Wednesday.

French Minister of Defense Michele Alliot-Marie said after the signing ceremony that the agreement "provides for greater exchange in training issues," but the agreement does not contain subjects like common use of bases.

Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that France's signing such an agreement with Cyprus was a worrisome development, which might jeopardize stability in the eastern Mediterranean and would make a negative impact on efforts for a comprehensive solution to Cyprus problem.

But Lillikas asserted that Turkey itself has turned into a factor of instability as its recent threats are "not only against the Republic of Cyprus but also against Lebanon and Egypt".

Last month, Turkey warned Lebanon and Egypt not to cooperate with Greek Cypriots in exploitation of oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean. Despite objections from Ankara, the Cyprus government went ahead with an international tender for offshore exploration.

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of Cyprus following a coup by a group of Greek officers who pushed for a quick reunion with Greece. Some 40, 000 Turkish soldiers are still stationed in the north.

The internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus joined the EU in the name of the whole island while the Turkish-Cypriot dominated northern Cyprus is only recognized by Turkey, which has no diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

Source: Xinhua