It is with great pleasure that I am here with you today, at the ceremony of awarding swords to officers of the National Guard and therefore I would like to congratulate the initiative of the General Staff for the realization of this ceremony.
In recognition of your contribution to the service and your dedication to duty, you are today being awarded the Officer's Sword, which has a special historical value and is a timeless symbol of honour, courage and pride.
You must be fully aware of the high degree of responsibility. The sword is a privilege borne by Officers and from today you owe it to your actions to be worthy and honour your predecessors and especially those who fought with courage and fell on the battlefield in defence of 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.
Apply the rules of military discipline, always within the framework of human-centred command, mutual understanding, mutual respect and good administration.
As officers and leaders, always bear in mind the ancient saying of Menander that, "If you acquire an office, you must be worthy of it."
Turkey is stepping up its provocations and is methodically creating new deadlocks with its actions.
Turkey is intensifying its provocations and is methodically creating new deadlocks with its actions. Violating every concept of international law and the resolutions of the Security Council, claiming the creation of two states, illegally interfering in the Exclusive Economic Zone, and creating new defaults in the enclosed city of Famagusta.
In this particularly critical period, 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 Hellenic Cypriots.
As a Ministry, we are proceeding with the implementation of programmes to significantly upgrade capabilities in intelligence gathering, situational awareness and countering specific threats, including the enhancement of air defence, meeting modern operational requirements.
On behalf of the state, I want to once again thank all military personnel for the work they do. Keep morale and spirit high, which are a factor in the National Guard's fighting ability.
Thank you and good strength to all of you.
(EX)
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