President notes role of National Guard as Cyprus has voice and role in Brussels

Strengthening of the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is not only due to the continued Turkish occupation, but also due to the fact that Cyprus is a member state of the EU, and as a member state that wants to have a say and a role in Brussels, we must have an effective and strong National Guard, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, addressing the Cypriot cadet officers of the Reserve Infantry Officer School, in Crete.

He said that Cyprus, like Crete, is located in an area of particular geostrategic importance and both Cyprus and Greece have proven in action and not in words, that they are pillars of security and stability.

He said that this role must continue and therefore we need strong armed forces.

The President told the cadet officers that Cyprus and its people are proud of them and the fact that they have entered into a historic and distinguished academy in which thousands of Cypriot National Guardsmen have been trained and of which EOKA Deputy Chief Gregoris Afxentiou was a gradu
ate.

He underlined that as long as our country is under occupation, strengthening the deterrent power of the Republic of Cyprus is our main obligation and priority.

President Christodoulides expressed the belief that everyone understands their responsibilities adding that Gregoris Afxentiou, a graduate of the academy for the deputy chief of the purest struggle of Cypriot Hellenism that led to the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus which today is the most important thing we have.

The President of the Republic laid a wreath at the Monument dedicated Afxentiou and then departed for Chania, where he will be the main speaker at the political memorial service of legendary composer Mikis Theodorakis.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

Source: Cyprus News Agency