The Ministry of Defence is proceeding with the implementation of programs to significantly upgrade capabilities in intelligence gathering, situational awareness and countering specific threats, including strengthening air defence, meeting modern operational requirements, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said in his address at the ceremony of awarding swords to new officers of the National Guard, who came from the ranks of non-commissioned officers.
Petridis said that "Turkey is intensifying its provocations and methodically creating new deadlocks with its actions."
"Violating every concept of international law and the resolutions of the Security Council, it claims the creation of two states, illegally intervenes in the exclusive economic zone and creates new deadlocks in the enclosed city of Famagusta," he said.
In this particularly critical period, according to the Defence Minister, "the National Guard is required to remain committed to its mission of defending the freedom and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, contributing to the consolidation of the sense of security of the Cypriot Hellenism".
Addressing the members of the National Guard, who were awarded the sword of officers, Petrides said that "you must be fully aware of the high degree of responsibility".
He added that the sword "is a privilege borne by the Officers" and from today, he stressed, "your actions should be worthy and honor your predecessors and especially those who fought with courage and fell on the battlefield to defend the freedom and democracy of our country."
"As permanent members of the great family of National Guard officers, be an example for the younger ones and inspire your subordinates with your ethics, conduct and professionalism," the Defence Minister said, calling on them to "always bear in mind the ancient saying of Menander that, 'Archis tethechos, ίσthi taύtis aξios', meaning that if you acquire an office, you must be worthy of it.
Πηγή: KYPE
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