Cyprus, through the reform process of its army, is becoming a stability and peace factor in the Eastern Mediterranean, Defence Minister Christoforos Phocaides has said.
The Minister attended Wednesday an event at an army camp in Larnaca district, with the occasion of Saint George day, who is the patron saint of the army corps.

Phocaides said that despite the economic crisis, the National Guard in Cyprus is doing its duty to the utmost, safeguarding the security and integrity of the island.
Replying to a question about the activities of the Turkish seismic vessel “Barbaros“ in Cyprus waters, the Minister said that the government is closely monitoring these activities, pointing out that Ankara aspires to join the EU and these actions harm these aspirations and the image the country wants to portray.

He said that Cyprus is observing the situation carefully and makes the necessary representations