Ministry of Defence is making every possible effort to modernize the National Guard, upgrade its operational capacity and strengthen its deterrent power, Minister Vassilis Palmas said Thursday, addressing an event for the 60th anniversary of the establishment and operation of the Armored Weapons of the island’s National Guard.
He said that the National Guard must evolve into a modern, flexible army, capable of responding to complex needs and challenges and adapting to modern conditions.
Palmas expressed the sincere respect and gratitude of the State to all those who, at every critical moment in history, hastened to the call of their homeland and gave the greatest fight in defense of freedom and justice.
He also thanked the Armored Reserve Association and all Reserve and National Guard Associations for their selfless offer to the country.
The Minister said that the establishment and operation of the National Guard is inseparably linked to the history of the Republic of Cyprus.
He stated that the conditio
ns and the strongly divisive climate that prevailed in the early 1960s, as well as the first armed conflicts between the two communities, led to the imperative decision to take measures to protect the very existence of the State.
The set up of the National Guard was announced in February 1964 and in June the Cabinet decided its establishment and operation.
Palmas further said that after the events of 1963 and 1964, Cyprus was faced with the actions of paramilitary groups in the 70s that led to the treacherous coup of July 15, 1974 and the Turkish invasion.
He concluded by saying that we continue the struggle having as a beacon the sacrifices of our heroes.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.
Source: Cyprus News Agency