Until the day comes when Cyprus is reunited, we are obligated to maintain the readiness of our country and to upgrade the operational capabilities of the National Guard to avert any new fait accompli, said Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides.
Addressing the confirmation ceremony of the students who secured positions at Greece’s military schools, the Minister said the main concern is to continue educate and train its members so that they can respond successfully to the modern operational environment.
The new students, he said, are entering from today the large military family of our country which is dedicated to the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic, and assured that the political and military leadership will always stand by their side.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, he said that for 48 years, the country has been divided despite the efforts for a just solution, with Turkey being more intransigent than ever.
We have made it clear to the international community that we will not enter negotiations which are outside the parameters set out by the UN and the high-level agreements, he added.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.
Source: Cyprus News Agency