It is with great pleasure that I am here today, at the Camp of Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis, on the day of the feast of Saint Barbara, for the traditional celebration of the patron saint of the Artillery.
Today you are celebrating all of you, the artillerymen, who for so many years, with professionalism and full awareness of your duty and mission, have served the Artillery and the National Guard to the fullest.
As did the previous generations of artillerymen.
Today we remember the iconic Macedonian gladiator Lieutenant Pavlos Mela, who pioneered and became the symbol of the "Macedonian struggle". His action and sacrifice in 1904 in Statista, drew the attention of the Greek State and public opinion to the enslaved Greek population of Macedonia.
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Hadjidakis, who fought heroically during the Turkish invasion of 1974, and on 22 July he was killed in action during an air raid on the 173rd Anti-Tank Gun Squadron, where he was the Commander.
Lieutenant General Emmanuel Hadjidakis, who fought heroically during the Turkish invasion of 1974, and on 22 July he was killed in action during an air raid on the 173rd Anti-Tank Gun Squadron, where he was the Commander.
And Lieutenant General Stylianos Kalbourtzis, whose honoured name the Camp where we are located bears, and who on 23 July 1974, as Commander of 181 Field Artillery Squadron, despite the official ceasefire, and following an ambush, fought courageously in hand-to-hand combat alongside his soldiers. His fate was unknown from 24 July 1974 until 2015, when his remains, which were recovered in the Synchari area, were identified and handed over to his relatives to be returned to his native land and buried at the Artillery School.
We therefore honour today all the fallen artillerymen and pray for the recovery of the missing, who thunderously declared their presence, faithful to the call to defend their homeland and its freedom.
On the occasion of today's celebration, I express my gratitude to the Artillery Commander and all personnel, officers, non-commissioned officers, SYOPs, privates and civilian personnel for the persistent effort you have been making over the years to strengthen the Artillery weapon and maintain a high degree of readiness.
Your strong morale, professionalism, patience and perseverance, precision, efficiency and love for the Artillery fills us all with pride and optimism.
We know very well that the National Guard has high quality human resources, which when required prove their 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 the decisions we take always have our personnel at the centre, together with the strengthening of the National Guard. An example of this is the recent passage of an amendment to the existing legislation, which further strengthens the institution of Contract Soldiers. It is now possible for those recruited as SYOPs in the National Guard 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 recruitment. This amendment is the beginning of strengthening the institution of SYOs. We are working on other measures, such as the possibility of their joining a new category of members of the army after they reach the age of 42. The new category to 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. I would like to thank the Ministry of Finance for its positive approach, as well as the Parliamentary Defence Committee and Parliament for their full support, constructive cooperation and assistance, leaving aside political expediency.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
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.
Bearing in mind that the effectiveness of a modern army's defensive capability is judged by its capacity for rapid intelligence gathering, early warning and accurate engagement of targets over long distances, Artillery is always high on our armament agenda as the main weapon of support on the battlefield.
Therefore, we have proceeded to enhance the Artillery and its capabilities in terms of mass and precision firing.
Although for obvious reasons I will not go into details, I can assure you that 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.
As I have stated before, one of the objectives we have set is through the procurement of new systems to create a modern effective air defence.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The National Guard is being modernized and strengthened to enable it to continue 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 unwavering objective remains the solution of the Cyprus problem through a sincere and honest dialogue, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions 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 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.
Happy Birthday to the Artillery.
Happy Birthday to all those celebrating.
May St. Barbara protect you and give you strength.
Thank you.
(IK)
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