Nicosia: Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has stated that the ongoing enhancement of the National Guard and the reinforcement of its deterrent capabilities is a ‘conscious choice’ of his administration. He made these remarks during a memorial service in Nicosia for fallen and deceased members of the Cyprus Army, and during a prayer for Lieutenant General Tasos Markou, who has been missing since 1974.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides emphasized the duty to protect the homeland, which remains under Turkish occupation. He highlighted the National Guard’s expanded responsibilities, which include overseeing the ceasefire line, guarding maritime borders, and participating in search-and-rescue missions.
He further elaborated that as the closest EU member state to a crisis-prone region of significant geostrategic importance, Cyprus must be prepared for humanitarian and other missions requiring readiness and capability. The President noted that the ongoing upgrade of the National Guard, in both personnel and technology, is central to the Government’s strategy, supported by concrete steps.
The President also mentioned the strategic use of the EU’s £1.2 billion SAFE financial instrument to address defense needs and enhance security. He highlighted the procurement of equipment from the United States through defense programs now accessible to Cyprus.
Christodoulides underscored Cyprus’ increasing regional influence and the National Guard’s role, citing international interest in upgrading the ‘Andreas Papandreou’ Air Base in Paphos and the ‘Evangelos Florakis’ Naval Base in Mari. These projects are top priorities for his administration.
Expressing pride in the National Guard, the President praised its members, officers, reservists, national guardsmen, and conscripts for their contributions to safeguarding the Republic of Cyprus. He concluded by honoring the memory of those who fell or went missing during the invasion, describing their sacrifice as a lasting reminder of the duty to protect Cyprus’ independence and territorial integrity.
Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Multiple rounds of UN-led peace talks have yet to produce a resolution, with the most recent negotiations in July 2017 at Crans-Montana in Switzerland ending without agreement.