The National Guard is being modernized and strengthened to continue to perform its work and defend the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, Defence Minister Haralambos Petrides said in his address at the Artillery celebration, on the day of the feast of St. Barbara, patron saint of the Armed Forces, at the Camp of Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzi, in Delikipos.
Petridis said that "the National Guard has high level human resources, which when required proves its ability to cope with the challenges that arise, with high morale, loyalty to the mission and above all love for the homeland".
That is why, he said, "the decisions we take are always focused, along with the strengthening of the National Guard, on our personnel."
An example, he said, "is the recent passage of an amendment to the existing legislation, which further strengthens the institution of Contract Soldiers."
According to the Defense Minister, those hired as SYOPs in the National Guard are now allowed to remain in service until they reach the age of forty-two, replacing the previous legislation, which limited the total duration of a SYOP's contract to 10 years, regardless of their age of hire.
This amendment, he said, "is the principle of strengthening the institution of SYOPs."
He added that "we are working on other measures such as the one concerning the possibility of joining a new category of army members after they reach the age of 42. The new category that will be created will have a mandatory termination age of 57 years, as is the case for other non-commissioned officers, but will provide for a specific procedure and criteria for the selection of candidates, which will be incorporated in regulations."
He thanked "the Ministry of Finance for its positive approach, as well as the Parliamentary Defence Committee and the Parliament for their full support, constructive cooperation and assistance, leaving aside political expediency."
As the Ministry of Defence, "we are fully aware of our responsibility and I assure you that we are making every effort to upgrade the capabilities of the National Guard."
He stressed that "bearing in mind that the effectiveness of a modern army's defensive capability is judged by its ability for rapid intelligence gathering, early warning and accurate engagement of targets over long distances, Artillery is always high in our armament planning as the main support weapon on the battlefield."
He noted that "we have moved to enhance the Artillery and its capabilities in terms of mass and precision firing. The Ministry of Defence aims to implement programmes that will give the AF upgraded capabilities in dealing with threats from the air, sea and land."
Petrides said that "one of the goals we have set is through the procurement of new systems to create a modern effective air defence".
The National Guard, he said, "is being modernized and strengthened so that it can continue to perform its work as the main defender of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, while contributing to the consolidation of the sense of security of the Cypriot Hellenism and the strengthening of its role as a pillar of stability in the wider region."
Our constant objective, he said, "remains the solution of the Cyprus problem, through a sincere and honest dialogue, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the principles and values of the EU. A solution that will guarantee the human rights and freedoms of all citizens."
This is our duty, he noted, "towards our fallen and missing in all the national struggles of our homeland. To make our land a free and reunited homeland, without occupation, ensuring peace and prosperity for all the Cypriot people."
Source: CNA
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