Political unity, coordination and consensus are needed to address the Turkish provocations in the region, the new Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said.
Speaking during the Ministry handover ceremony on Monday, Petrides said that we are all well aware of the current situation and the circumstances, adding that our fight to end the Turkish occupation is now taking place in a highly volatile geopolitical environment where the challenges are escalating. Petrides assured that he will be in full coordination with the entire political leadership and with Greece.
Referring to his predecessor, he said that during his presence at the Ministry, Cyprus` role and position were upgraded because of synergies and alliances and because of the strengthened role of the Armed Forces.
He pledged that with hard work and trust he will honor the oath he made for a free and peaceful Cyprus.
In his speech Savvas Angelides said that the ongoing Turkish provocation does not allow any room for complacency and called on the new Minister to continue with the same diligence in order to achieve the common national goals. He told the Ministry staff to work with the new Minister in a genuine spirit and to carry on the good work. He also told the new Minister that he will always be by his side.
Angelides also thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the new and former Chiefs of the National Guard, the Director of his Staff, the military personnel and all the staff at the Ministry and the Army as well as the Parliamentarians for the cooperation and coordination during his service.