It is with great pleasure that I am with you today at Camp "Ilias Papakyriakou", at the graduation ceremony of the 2022 ESSO conscripts.
A ceremony that marks the end of a strenuous but productive period, during which the new recruits have successfully completed their demanding training and from today they officially join the family of the National Guard Militia.
I would like to address their families from the outset, expressing my warm congratulations, satisfaction and thanks. I know that the success of our soldiers is completely intertwined with your education, care, support and love.
Young soldiers,
With this ceremony you have the right to feel proud because it is the culmination and at the same time the reward of the arduous training you have attended for a long time.
It also marks a new beginning in your military career and a springboard to new goals, new challenges and new experiences.
The solid foundations that you have acquired through your family upbringing, combined with the military knowledge that you have gained from your training, will make you capable fighters, ready to contribute to the National Guard and our country in general.
From today, you become the continuators of the glorious tradition of the Military Police.
From today, you become the continuators of the glorious tradition of the Military Police. You assume the special duties of preserving law and discipline in the troops.
The motto "Law Taxes Discipline" that adorns the emblem you wear on your uniform should be the code for you that will characterize the remainder of your service.
'As the ancient lawgiver and philosopher Solon stated "the laws of those who do well are beneficial, but those who do badly are of no use". That is, when the laws are applied correctly they are beneficial, but when they are applied incorrectly they are of no benefit.
But to be able to demand the enforcement of law and order you need to inculcate the rules of self-discipline, to exude seriousness, modesty and responsibility.
Always bear in mind that discipline is not something theoretical and does not merely consist in obeying rules that regulate the behaviour and actions of individuals in a group.It is a valuable set of resources and tools for avoiding problems or solving them on the road to progress and success.
You, by virtue of your mission, must be a model of a disciplined and responsible soldier.
Always set high goals, strive for progress and be driven in everything you do by love of country and concern for your fellow soldier.
I invite you to continue with the same zeal, tenacity and dedication to train under the guidance of your superiors.
At this point, I wish to express my sincere congratulations to the Commander of the Military Police, the Commander of the Training Centre and the instructors, who with seriousness, professionalism and responsibility have welcomed the new soldiers and provided them with all the necessary equipment that will make them competent and combatant soldiers.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are going through a period full of challenges and tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with Turkey indulging in a crescendo of provocative actions that endanger security and peace.
As the Ministry of Defence, we have set as a key priority the enhancement of the operational and deterrent capabilities of the National Guard. The armament programme drawn up in cooperation with the GEF is being implemented gradually, in a continuous effort to upgrade the National Guard against threats from land, sea and air.
Our intention is also confirmed by the fact that in recent years defence spending has increased. This year's budget is at the highest financial level in the last 20 years.
In addition to upgrading our capabilities, we have also strengthened the extroversion of the Republic of Cyprus' defence policy. In this direction, we have developed bilateral and trilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and security with 16 regional and European countries, quadrilateral cooperation with Greece, Italy and France, as well as cooperation with other important actors in the region, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Our vision is to play a more substantial role in the efforts to create conditions of cooperation, security, peace and stability in the region and to make the Eastern Mediterranean an area of interest for the European Union. This effort is collective and requires the cooperation and contribution of all.
New recruits,
Your formal joining the Militia should fill you with satisfaction and give you strength for the future. Take pride in your uniforms and in your clay. Be proud of your service in the National Guard. Again, I congratulate you on your success and wish you all individually, health, personal and family happiness and a good rest of your service.
Thank you.
(NG/EXP)
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