Independent presidential candidate Nicos Christodoulides today released his proposals for the substantial Strengthening of Deterrence - Defence and Security of the Republic of Cyprus, which are posted on the website www.christodoulides2023.com/pylones/planitis/amyna/
According to the staff statement, the ongoing Turkish occupation, Turkey's challenge to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, current challenges and hybrid threats, make the enhancement of our homeland's defensive armour and deterrence in general a top priority. At the same time, Cyprus' status as a Member State of the European Union and the role it can play in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region further reinforce the aforementioned need.
"In this context", he adds, "the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is strengthened by further increasing defence expenditure, institutionalising and strengthening defence agreements and cooperation with third countries and making full use of the opportunities arising from our status as a Member State of the European Union".
"In addition to enhancing the Republic of Cyprus' deterrent capacity," the statement continues, "the State should be able to respond effectively to asymmetric threats such as illegal migration flows, cyber warfare, climate change, terrorism and any kind of hybrid threat in general. Addressing these threats, as well as enhancing our country's capabilities in other relevant areas such as Search and Rescue, is not the exclusive task of the Ministry of Defence, but also of other ministries and departments of the state. Within this framework, under the coordination and supervision of the National Security Council, a coordinating body is being established with clear responsibilities for gathering information, assessing situations, drafting and implementing plans to deal with these threats."
The proposals are codified in 5 specific policies: 1.
Among others, the proposals include.
- The modernisation or replacement of old weapon systems available to the National Guard, along with the procurement of new systems incorporating new technologies, with priority given to strengthening the navy and the air force of the National Guard.
- The establishment of a National Security Council (NSC) within the Presidency of the Republic, for security and defence policy issues, which will function as an advisory body and will aim to systematically study and submit specific recommendations to the Council of Ministers on all issues relating to the country's national security.
- The elaboration of a National Security Strategy, which will be drafted by the National Security Council and approved by the Council of Ministers and which will constitute the background and will be consistent with other institutional documents, on the basis of which, among others, the country's defence and foreign policy will be exercised and evaluated at regular intervals.
- The strengthening of close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the defence sector and the study, in cooperation with the Greek Government, of the prospect of a substantial revival of the Cyprus-Greece Common Defence Space Doctrine at operational level.
- The strengthening of close cooperation between Cyprus and Greece in the defence sector, in the context of the new geopolitical developments in the wider region and the participation of both countries in the Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP) pillar of the European Union, as well as trilateral and multilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries.
- Encouraging the participation of our country's research and innovation institutions and organisations in EU high-tech defence programmes in order to maximise the absorption of European funds and capital and the utilisation of Cypriot industries specialised in such technologies to work on new defence systems such as.
- The further improvement of the position of SYOPs through the priority study of the recruitment criteria, the level of training, the numerical and salary upgrading, the future course and advancement in the hierarchy.
- The further improvement of the position of SYOPs through the priority study of the recruitment criteria, the level of training, the numerical and salary upgrading, the future course and advancement in the hierarchy.
- The modernisation of the legislation governing promotions, transfers, and selections to posts and faculties abroad, so that these are made exclusively on the basis of meritocratic and measurable criteria.
- The evaluation and adjustment of the institution of the Reserve and National Guard so that it meets the modern requirements of the battlefield, the standards of foreign armies with similar military reserve structures, etc.
- The improvement and enhancement through the use of digital technology, of the efficiency of the recruitment mechanism of the Reserve and National Guard, utilizing technology.
- The upgrading of the Civil Emergency Planning Service (CPEA) and the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (RSRC) operating within the Ministry of Defence by modernising the relevant legislation, so that, in cooperation with all the competent services of the State (Civil Defence, Police, Fire Service, Municipalities, Communities, etc.a), to respond effectively in cases of emergency.
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