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In the difficult global context, Turkey presents itself as a peacemaker in the war between Russia and Ukraine, while at the same time blatantly violating international law by occupying more than 36% of our country's territory, illegal provocations and violations in the eastern Mediterranean and the enclosed city of Famagusta, actions that are clearly aimed at dividing Cyprus, Charalambos Petrides, the Minister of Defense said on Friday.
Addressing the celebration of the patron saint of the Land Army, St. George, at Camp Tasos Markos, the Minister of Defence said that at the same time Ankara is waging an ongoing hybrid war by exploiting human misery, promoting illegal immigration on a regular basis, aiming to alter the demographic character of the island.
According to the Minister, Turkey's attitude is shaping a difficult environment that requires vigilance and upgrading the operational capabilities of the National Guard.
The modernization of weapon systems is a top priority of the current government and the Ministry of Defence in cooperation with the GEF is steadily proceeding with the implementation of our armament program. The defence of Cyprus is a means of safeguarding and securing the Republic of Cyprus to deter risks and threats. Our goal is to make the National Guard a modern and flexible army, capable of effectively facing any challenge, he said.
At the same time, he stressed that we remain ready for political initiatives towards the resumption of talks for a just settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on international law and the principles and values of the European Union, adding that the package of Confidence Building Measures we are proposing is intended to assist this effort.
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