Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades said on Wednesday that as long as the Turkish army continues to occupy part of Cyprus` territory and Turkey questions the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus, it is the National Guard`s primary duty to secure, as a deterrent force, to the extent it can, peace and security to the benefit of the state`s citizens.
Speaking during the swearing in ceremony of the Chief of the National Guard Elias Leontaris, who has been reappointed, and the new Deputy Chief of the National Guard Constantinos Chrysiliou, Anastasiades said that the deployment of Cyprus` military forces has always been and will continue to be defensive and not offensive.
“This is how we will continue acting and this is the policy we shall apply, strengthening our diplomatic efforts and backed by the National Guard, as a deterrent,” he added.
Anastasiades said these days there is great unrest in the broader region, with new dangers and war zones.
At the same time, he noted the prospects created from the discovery of new natural gas reserves both by Cyprus and by neighbouring countries, underlining that this is a development which creates new geostrategic dynamics, “which we are called to handle in a calm manner, taking advantage of the international and European security system, which we serve loyaly.”
Addressing Leontaris and Chrysiliou, the President said that they are undertaking their duties during a decisive period for the country and especially for the National Guard. He referred to plans to transform the National Guard with a view to meet current needs and challenges.
He also talked about Cyprus` participation in the EU Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), noting that “we are upgrading our active presence in the EU institutions, and at the same time through the international cooperation we have developed – with more than 40 agreements and programmes of military cooperation – we reinforce our country`s role in the region.”
Furthermore, the President praised Leontaris and Chrysiliou for their professional integrity and effectiveness.
On their part, the National Guard Chief and the Deputy Chief assured the President that they will do their utmost with a view to fulfill their duties and upgrade the National Guard`s effectiveness and operational performance.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.
