With religious reverence and national pride, following our moral values and traditions, I am here with you today, at Camp "Major General Tasos Markos", for the traditional celebration of the Great Martyr Trophy Bearer Saint George, Patron Saint of the Land Army.
With deepest respect we reverently bow our knee before the sacrifice of the fallen during the struggles to defend the freedom and dignity of Cyprus and we pray for the fate of our missing persons.
Saint George, in 303, under Diocletian, during the persecutions of Christians, defended with bravery and self-denial the ideals of Christianity. He was accused and subjected to terrible torture, which he resisted with admirable endurance and fortitude. On 23 April of the same year he was hanged in Nicomedia. He rightly occupies an important place in the popular calendar and his memory is honoured by the whole Christian world.
Honouring him today, as the patron saint of the glorious infantry and the land army, I would like, as the political head of the Armed Forces, to express my gratitude to all the officers and non-commissioned officers, officers and non-commissioned officers, SYOP, privates, reservists, national guardsmen and civilian personnel who, with full awareness of their responsibility and professionalism, carry out their mission in honour of the National Guard. This fills us with pride and optimism for the future.
In the difficult global context, unfortunately, Turkey, presents itself as a peacemaker in the war between Russia and Ukraine, while at the same time, it blatantly violates international law, with the occupation of more than 36% of our country's territory, illegal provocations and violations in the eastern Mediterranean and the enclosed city of Famagusta. At the same time, Ankara is waging an ongoing hybrid war by exploiting human misery by promoting illegal immigration on a regular basis, aiming to alter the demographic character of our island.
At the same time, Ankara is waging an ongoing hybrid war by exploiting human misery by promoting illegal immigration on a regular basis, aiming to alter the demographic character of our island.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Turkey's attitude is shaping a difficult environment that requires vigilance and upgrading of the operational capabilities of the National Guard. The modernization of weapon systems is a top priority of the present Government and the Ministry of Defence, in cooperation with the General Staff, is steadily proceeding with the implementation of our armament programme.
The defence of Cyprus is a means of securing and safeguarding the security of the Republic of Cyprus to prevent dangers and threats. Our goal is to make the National Guard a modern and flexible army, capable of effectively facing any challenge.
But 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. The package of Confidence Building Measures we propose is intended to assist this effort.
Thank you to all those who contributed to the realisation of this fine event.
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year in health and peace.
(MGM/SX)
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