National Guard chief stresses readiness amid regional developments

Nicosia, Cyprus. National Guard chief Lieutenant General Emmanouel Theodorou said continued occupation of part of Cyprus and rapidly evolving regional developments require constant vigilance and make operational readiness a top priority.

Speaking on Tuesday at an event marking the patron saint of the Republic’s armed forces, Theodorou said the National Guard was modernising through new technologies, procedures, training and cooperation with friendly countries.

Modernisation and readiness

Theodorou said the National Guard was changing and modernising to become more flexible and effective, adopting new technologies and incorporating modern procedures.

Through continuous training, daily activities and high-level cooperation with friendly countries, he said, the National Guard continued to serve as “the pillar of our people’s security and the guarantor of stability in the region”.

Defence of Cyprus

Referring to the continued occupation, Theodorou said the National Guard remained at the country’s “national ramparts” in defence of its land.

He said it was fully aware of its mission and would remain constantly prepared “until justice and legality are restored in our semi-occupied homeland”.

Armed Forces Day ceremony

Theodorou described Tuesday as a day of celebration for National Guard personnel, saying their commitment to duty and dedication to their mission had earned the trust of the Cypriot people.

He also addressed the island’s conscripts, describing them as “the present and the future” of Cyprus.

The official Republic Armed Forces Day celebration was held on Tuesday with a service at the Apostle Varnavas Cathedral. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, MPs, Theodorou, acting Defence Ministry permanent secretary Stelios Kountouris and the National Guard leadership attended, alongside representatives of state services and local authorities, as well as retired officers and non-commissioned officers who had served in the National Guard.